Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Mumbai, blasts Congress

Calling it Prime Minister Modi's display of political will following terror attacks on Indian soil, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a frontal attack on the opposition who alleged that PM Modi has used the defence forces for his electoral interests.

She also targeted the opposition and MNS President Raj Thackeray over their repeated questioning of air strikes across the line of actual control in Pakistan by India.

"If the erstwhile government had taken strong steps after 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the present situation of Pulwama attacks could have been prevented. Our armed forces were always equipped to give a befitting reply, but there was no political will which the present government has displayed. If someone including the opposition questions these attacks then it is very unfortunate," she said.

Sitharaman also said that Modi wave this election year is bigger than the previous one in than 2014. She explained that the crowds during her campaign in South India wanted her to speak on Pulwama and the surgical strikes. The response indicated that people want a decisive government.

Congress is shying away from talking about issues like Pulwama and Balakot due to their inaction when they were in power, said Sitharaman.

"Congress Prime Minister had not taken any such steps which is why they are shying away from talking on this issue. It was BJP which always had supported the Government in power when it comes to the security of the nation. Be it Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, or be it 26/11 Mumbai attacks, we have stood by Government and never doubted its intentions," she added.

Replying to a question on Sadhvi Pragya's remark on 26/11 martyr Hemant Karkare, Sitharaman said that Sadhvi Pragya Singh has expressed her agony and party has made its stand clear on Sadhvi's statement. Sadhvi had said that Karkare died as she cursed him for torturing her in the custody. Sitharaman said that Sadhvi has already retracted her statement.