NEW DELHI — Twenty-one opposition parties Wednesday expressed anguish over what they alleged was “blatant politicisation” of the sacrifices of armed forces and urged the government to take nations into confidence on all measures to protect India’s sovereignty, unity and integrity.
After a meeting in the Parliament Library, the leaders of these parties issued a joint statement, expressing concern over the prevailing security situation in the country.
“Anguished over blatant politicisation of sacrifices of armed forces by ruling party. Urge government to take nations into confidence on all measures to protect India’s sovereignty, unity, integrity.
“National security must transcend narrow political consideration,” the joint statement said.
The parties also condemned the “dastardly” Pulwama terror attack by “Pakistan-sponsored” terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed on 14 February. The leaders paid homage to the soldiers killed in the attack and expressed solidarity with the Armed Forces.
The statement also said that the prime minister has “regrettably” not convened an all-party meeting as per established practice.
Rahul Gandhi, after the meeting, said told the media:
Among those present were former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president Chandrababu Naidu, Loktantrik Janta Dal leader Sharad Yadav, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and party colleague Praful Patel.
CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, BSP’s Satish Chandra Mishra, JDU’s Upendra Kushwaha, former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, Congress’ Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, CPI’s Sudhakar Reddy, JDS’ Danish Ali, DMK’s Tiruchi Siva, AAP’s Sanjay Singh and others were also in attendance.