News Analysis India

Tag: soldiers

  • Congress leader Rahul Gandhi writes to Prez Droupadi Murmu on Agnipath scheme, urges her to intervene

    Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu against the Agnipath scheme, alleging there is “discrimination” in the nature and extent of benefits given to the families of slain soldiers. Urging the president to intervene, Gandhi said an “exception is warranted in this case” as she is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India and the issue affects national security. In his two-page letter to the President of India, Gandhi said he is writing to her with an appeal to provide ‘nyya’ (justice) to Agniveers, who lay down their lives in service to the nation. “There can be no clearer illustration of the fundamental flaw in the Agnipath scheme – the creation of a ‘lesser’ cadre of soldiers who are expected to work on similar tasks with lower pay, benefits and prospects,” he said while sharing his letter to President Murmu on the scheme. “The discrimination in the nature and extent of benefits accorded to the families of our slain Agniveers, compared to regular soldiers warrants your urgent attention,” Gandhi said in his letter. AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther States “This anyaay – injustice – is why the Congress Party and our INDIA allies have strongly opposed the Agnipath scheme, and have promised to repeal it if we form the government,” the former Congress chief said. In the letter, Gandhi said, “I request you to intervene. I recognise that a President does not generally interfere in matters of policy, which are the domain of the elected government. “However, I believe an exception is warranted in this case, given both the seriousness of this issue, and your unique position. You are the Supreme Commander of India’s Armed Forces. You have taken an oath to devote yourself to the well-being of the people of India.” “Is this discrimination against our Agniveer martyrs not a risk to our national security? Is it not a grave injustice to our youth who bravely risk their lives to serve?” Gandhi asked in his letter.

    “These pressing questions can only be answered in the affirmative.

    “Therefore, I appeal to you to use your distinguished office to do nyaay – justice to Agniveer soldiers who lay down their lives, by ensuring that they receive the same benefits as any soldier who makes the highest sacrifice for our motherland,” he said.

  • JioCinema Unveils Gripping Trailer For ‘Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond’ – A High-Intensity War-Room Drama | Web Series News

    Not all wars are won on the battlefield and not all soldiers don uniforms! JioCinema, takes you behind the scenes of India’s largest defense operation with the trailer launch of its upcoming fictional war room drama, Ranneeti: Balakot& Beyond! The show releases on JioCinema on 25th April 2024.

    The remarkable storyline is helmed by a stellar ensemble cast that includes Jimmy Shergill, Lara Dutta, Ashutosh Rana, Ashish Vidyarthi and Prasanna. For the first time a web-series decodes the modern warfare that isn’t simply fought on physical borders but transcends to the domain of social media, digital tactics and covert political moves that have the power to reshape geo-politics.

    Directed by Santosh Singh, the series is produced by Sunjoy Waddhwa and Comall Sunjay W from SphereoriginsMultivision Private Limited. The high-octane fictional drama, inspired by real life events that shook the nation, is shot at a grand scale, setting new benchmarks in cinematic excellence for the entertainment landscape.

    Boasting of some never-seen before aerial sequences, stellar performances and a powerful narrative that deftly captures every aspect, both on and off the battlefield, of India’s biggest and most sought-after defense operation – the web-series promises a cinematic experience unlike any other.

    Jimmy Shergill shared his excitement on the trailer launch, “This is unlike any role that I have done in the past. It has been challenging to say the least but also immensely satisfying to be part of India’s first war-room focused web-series inspired from real life events that shook the nation. We always read or hear about what happens on-ground during a war-like situation but being a part of Ranneeti allowed me to witness first-hand the strategy, the risk-taking, as well as. the emotional trajectory of those who called the shots from inside the war-room when the entire unit worked for 48 hours but not a single cast member complained. middle of all the action.”

    Ashutosh Rana further added to the sentiment and stated, “After every challenging show or film, I always feel like I’ve grown as an actor. Doing Ranneeti has been a crash-course in India’s politics and defense philosophy! Chanakyaniti isn’t simply a word but the mantra inside those walls of a war room, when everything is at stake! For a die-hard patriot like me, playing the enemy was not easy. However, it’s roles like these that challenge us as actors.”

    Ashish Vidyarthi, spoke about his role and experience of working on the show, “A show and opportunity like Ranneeti comes occasionally. Playing the role of the NSA chief has been challenging but the meetings with a few members from the defense forces really helped me grasp the nuances of my character. The prep-work and workshops took me back to my NSD days! Playing a character of that stature is not easy, but Santosh brought the best out of us as actors. He paid attention to every little detail to stay as true and authentic to the characters as possible. ,

    LaraDutta who plays a power-broker, spoke about the shooting experience, “The urgency, the split-second decision making and the pressure in a war-room is unlike any other. As actors, being able to translate those emotions in an honest and authentic manner is a tough task. However, when you work with a brilliant team like that of Ranneeti, you grow tremendously as an actor with every single scene and dialogue delivery. Being from an air-force background, working on the show felt close to home. We cannot wait for the audience to experience national pride the way we did, every single day on the set!”

    Prasanna, who plays the role of our very own brave-heart, Group Captain further added, “It’s been an absolute honor to play the role of a national hero. I just followed the script, but the team who was part of the actual operation created unscripted history with their courage and unmatched love for the nation. I remember feeling actual goose bumps, while shooting the scenes when the Group Captain was captured by the Pakistani forces. Meeting some of the members who were a part of the operation was an absolute fanboy moment for me that I will always treasure.”

    Watch the Trailer here :


    Prepare for a heart-pounding journey from the war room to the front lines in ‘Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond’ exclusively on JioCinema.


  • Delhi Metro exhibition pays tribute to India’s war heroes, charts DMRC growth story 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A permanent exhibition at a Delhi Metro station blending stories of courage and bravery displayed by Indian soldiers and the incredible journey of the urban transporter since its genesis 32 years ago was opened on Thursday.

    Titled ‘Veerta Aur Vikas’, it also pays tribute to illustrious gallantry award recipients of the country, and was inaugurated at Rajouri Garden Metro Station on the Pink Line of the network.

    The exhibition was opened by DMRC chief Vikas Kumar along with the family members of many gallantry award recipients such as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, Captain Vikram Batra who have laid down their lives for the country, a senior DMRC official said.

    DMRC also felicitated some of the family members of five decorated gallantry award recipients — PVC awardees Second Lieutenant Khetarpal and Capt Batra, Ashoka Chakra recipient Maj Mohit Sharma, Maha Vir Chakra awardee Capt Anuj Nayyar and Maha Vir Chakra awardee Capt Pratap Singh.

    Nutan Batra Malik (Capt Batra’s sister), R P Sharma and Sushila Sharma (parents of Maj Sharma), Mukesh Khetarpal (Second Lieutenant Khetarpal’s brother), Shakti Singh (Capt Singh’s brother) and Meena Nayyar (Capt Nayyar’s mother) were present on the occasion, the senior official said.

    Spread over a length of about 100 feet, the exhibition features 13 vibrant panels, and also showcases images of Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Vir Chakra.

    Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime.

    “In this special exhibition, we have paid our respect and tribute to the brave gallantry award recipients from the armed forces who have displayed unprecedented courage and valour in the line of duty. Since the Delhi Metro is frequented by millions of people every day from all walks of life, we felt that their contributions should be documented and displayed at one of our stations so that the passengers can get to know about these incredible stories of courage and sacrifice for the nation,” Kumar said.

    Captain Batra, a young and brave officer, had caught the fancy of the nation and become an icon for his heroics in the Kargil War of 1999. He was awarded the PVC posthumously.

    Second Lieutenant Khetrapal, a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War who also made the supreme sacrifice at a young age of 21, was awarded the PVC posthumously.

    Other panels showcase India’s journey of 75 years since Independence, and the major milestones achieved.

    The exhibition also tells about the genesis of Delhi Metro and its eventful journey and incredible growth story in changing the paradigm of urban transportation in the national capital and beyond.

    A panel on this theme, ‘Genesis: Delhi Metro – From Ideas to Action’, says the development of the Delhi Metro took 32 years from the time a mass rapid transit network was was first recommended.

    “In 1969-70, the Central Road Research Institute carried out an extensive study on traffic and travel characteristics of Delhi, based on transport demand projection of 1981 and submitted its report,” the panels says, in a timeline of Metro’s journey.

    Through specially designed panels, “we have tried to blend the stories of their courage and bravery and the incredible growth story of the Delhi Metro”, DMRC officials said.

    “Our nation, India, today stands as a proud example of what a thriving democracy can achieve if the people decide to stand together and work for the goodwill of the country. Overcoming a number of challenges, India is rapidly building world-class infrastructure and embracing new-age sustainable technologies. The success of the Delhi Metro is a glowing example of how we are capable of executing mammoth infrastructure projects oriented towards public good,” the DMRC said.

    However, this success story called India could not have been scripted, had our borders been unsafe, it said.

    The DMRC also shared a glimpse of the exhibition with a small video clip on its Twitter handle.

    “India’s brave armed forces are guarding the nation with unparalleled commitment and valour to ensure that the rest of the nation is safe and focussed on development. Therefore, as a tribute to the gallantry award recipients of the Indian armed forces, who have shown exemplary courage to preserve the sovereignty and dignity of the nation, a permanent exhibition has been installed,” the DMRC said.

    Rajouri Garden is one of the busiest interchange stations of the Delhi Metro network. The exhibition has been strategically installed here so that a large number of people can see it.

    Delhi Metro stations are being utilised as platforms for the promotion of India’s rich culture and heritage. Many of these stations have exhibitions, displays and artworks depicting the history and cultural diversity of the nation.

    This exhibition at Rajouri Garden is an important addition to the list of such stations, it said.

    NEW DELHI: A permanent exhibition at a Delhi Metro station blending stories of courage and bravery displayed by Indian soldiers and the incredible journey of the urban transporter since its genesis 32 years ago was opened on Thursday.

    Titled ‘Veerta Aur Vikas’, it also pays tribute to illustrious gallantry award recipients of the country, and was inaugurated at Rajouri Garden Metro Station on the Pink Line of the network.

    The exhibition was opened by DMRC chief Vikas Kumar along with the family members of many gallantry award recipients such as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, Captain Vikram Batra who have laid down their lives for the country, a senior DMRC official said.

    DMRC also felicitated some of the family members of five decorated gallantry award recipients — PVC awardees Second Lieutenant Khetarpal and Capt Batra, Ashoka Chakra recipient Maj Mohit Sharma, Maha Vir Chakra awardee Capt Anuj Nayyar and Maha Vir Chakra awardee Capt Pratap Singh.

    Nutan Batra Malik (Capt Batra’s sister), R P Sharma and Sushila Sharma (parents of Maj Sharma), Mukesh Khetarpal (Second Lieutenant Khetarpal’s brother), Shakti Singh (Capt Singh’s brother) and Meena Nayyar (Capt Nayyar’s mother) were present on the occasion, the senior official said.

    Spread over a length of about 100 feet, the exhibition features 13 vibrant panels, and also showcases images of Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Vir Chakra.

    Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime.

    “In this special exhibition, we have paid our respect and tribute to the brave gallantry award recipients from the armed forces who have displayed unprecedented courage and valour in the line of duty. Since the Delhi Metro is frequented by millions of people every day from all walks of life, we felt that their contributions should be documented and displayed at one of our stations so that the passengers can get to know about these incredible stories of courage and sacrifice for the nation,” Kumar said.

    Captain Batra, a young and brave officer, had caught the fancy of the nation and become an icon for his heroics in the Kargil War of 1999. He was awarded the PVC posthumously.

    Second Lieutenant Khetrapal, a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War who also made the supreme sacrifice at a young age of 21, was awarded the PVC posthumously.

    Other panels showcase India’s journey of 75 years since Independence, and the major milestones achieved.

    The exhibition also tells about the genesis of Delhi Metro and its eventful journey and incredible growth story in changing the paradigm of urban transportation in the national capital and beyond.

    A panel on this theme, ‘Genesis: Delhi Metro – From Ideas to Action’, says the development of the Delhi Metro took 32 years from the time a mass rapid transit network was was first recommended.

    “In 1969-70, the Central Road Research Institute carried out an extensive study on traffic and travel characteristics of Delhi, based on transport demand projection of 1981 and submitted its report,” the panels says, in a timeline of Metro’s journey.

    Through specially designed panels, “we have tried to blend the stories of their courage and bravery and the incredible growth story of the Delhi Metro”, DMRC officials said.

    “Our nation, India, today stands as a proud example of what a thriving democracy can achieve if the people decide to stand together and work for the goodwill of the country. Overcoming a number of challenges, India is rapidly building world-class infrastructure and embracing new-age sustainable technologies. The success of the Delhi Metro is a glowing example of how we are capable of executing mammoth infrastructure projects oriented towards public good,” the DMRC said.

    However, this success story called India could not have been scripted, had our borders been unsafe, it said.

    The DMRC also shared a glimpse of the exhibition with a small video clip on its Twitter handle.

    “India’s brave armed forces are guarding the nation with unparalleled commitment and valour to ensure that the rest of the nation is safe and focussed on development. Therefore, as a tribute to the gallantry award recipients of the Indian armed forces, who have shown exemplary courage to preserve the sovereignty and dignity of the nation, a permanent exhibition has been installed,” the DMRC said.

    Rajouri Garden is one of the busiest interchange stations of the Delhi Metro network. The exhibition has been strategically installed here so that a large number of people can see it.

    Delhi Metro stations are being utilised as platforms for the promotion of India’s rich culture and heritage. Many of these stations have exhibitions, displays and artworks depicting the history and cultural diversity of the nation.

    This exhibition at Rajouri Garden is an important addition to the list of such stations, it said.

  • UP’s ‘village of soldiers’ gears up to celebrate Independence Day

    By PTI

    GHAZIPUR: In Gahmar, one of the country’s largest villages and where almost every household has members who have served or are serving in the Army, the enthusiasm is palpable on the eve of Independence Day with the tricolour hoisted atop every house.

    In this “village of soldiers”, hoisting the tricolour on Independence Day and Republic Day is a tradition and the government’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign this year has only added to the spirit of patriotism.

    The central government has launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under which people are being encouraged to hoist the tricolour at their houses to mark 75 years of India’s independence.

    Villagers say soldiers from Gahmar have fought in wars from World War II to Kargil conflict.

    Pictures and medals of soldiers adorn shelves in most houses of Gahmar. Village head Balwant Singh estimates that Gahmar has given 20,000 soldiers to the country so far. “Currently, about 5,000 villagers are working in different positions in the Army,” he said.

    Gahmar has a population of about 1.25 lakh.

    “The spirit of patriotism resides in the heart of every family living here. Ours is a village of soldiers. You will definitely find a soldier in almost every house here. Many members of most families are serving in the Army,” Balwant Singh told PTI.

    “Though Independence Day is celebrated every year in Gahmar village, this time special preparations are being made to mark 75 years of independence. People of the village have also joined the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign,” he said.

    “The tricolour has been hoisted atop every house in the village and the administration is also doing its bit to make the campaign a success,” he added.

    Ishwar Chandra, a social worker, said the spirit of patriotism gripped the village after many of its soldiers laid down their lives in World War II.

    “Multiple generations of some families have been associated with the Army,” he said.

    One such family is that of Lt.Col Ram Bachan Singh (retd.) who took part in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Three generations of Ram Bachan’s family have served in the Army. His son Ashok is currently serving in the Army.

    Gahmar even has a training ground to help those who wish to join the Army prepare for it.

    “Village youths have arranged all the necessary equipment for running and exercise in a ground near a river bank and they train every morning and evening,” social worker Chandra said.

    The ground resembles an Army training unit, he said, adding that it has a running track and various other facilities needed for rigorous training for Army recruitment.

    Chandra said youths of the village are inspired by their elders and also get preference in Army recruitment as children of ex-servicemen.

    “But due to youngsters focusing on training for military recruitment instead of pursuing higher education, hardly a dozen people from the village have made it to officer ranks,” he said.

    GHAZIPUR: In Gahmar, one of the country’s largest villages and where almost every household has members who have served or are serving in the Army, the enthusiasm is palpable on the eve of Independence Day with the tricolour hoisted atop every house.

    In this “village of soldiers”, hoisting the tricolour on Independence Day and Republic Day is a tradition and the government’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign this year has only added to the spirit of patriotism.

    The central government has launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign under which people are being encouraged to hoist the tricolour at their houses to mark 75 years of India’s independence.

    Villagers say soldiers from Gahmar have fought in wars from World War II to Kargil conflict.

    Pictures and medals of soldiers adorn shelves in most houses of Gahmar. Village head Balwant Singh estimates that Gahmar has given 20,000 soldiers to the country so far. “Currently, about 5,000 villagers are working in different positions in the Army,” he said.

    Gahmar has a population of about 1.25 lakh.

    “The spirit of patriotism resides in the heart of every family living here. Ours is a village of soldiers. You will definitely find a soldier in almost every house here. Many members of most families are serving in the Army,” Balwant Singh told PTI.

    “Though Independence Day is celebrated every year in Gahmar village, this time special preparations are being made to mark 75 years of independence. People of the village have also joined the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign,” he said.

    “The tricolour has been hoisted atop every house in the village and the administration is also doing its bit to make the campaign a success,” he added.

    Ishwar Chandra, a social worker, said the spirit of patriotism gripped the village after many of its soldiers laid down their lives in World War II.

    “Multiple generations of some families have been associated with the Army,” he said.

    One such family is that of Lt.Col Ram Bachan Singh (retd.) who took part in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Three generations of Ram Bachan’s family have served in the Army. His son Ashok is currently serving in the Army.

    Gahmar even has a training ground to help those who wish to join the Army prepare for it.

    “Village youths have arranged all the necessary equipment for running and exercise in a ground near a river bank and they train every morning and evening,” social worker Chandra said.

    The ground resembles an Army training unit, he said, adding that it has a running track and various other facilities needed for rigorous training for Army recruitment.

    Chandra said youths of the village are inspired by their elders and also get preference in Army recruitment as children of ex-servicemen.

    “But due to youngsters focusing on training for military recruitment instead of pursuing higher education, hardly a dozen people from the village have made it to officer ranks,” he said.

  • Terrorist gunned down, jawan hurt as Army foils infiltration bid in Kashmir

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The soldiers of the Indian Army have foiled an infiltration attempt where a group of terrorists were trying to cross the Line of Control with Kupwara, Kashmir.

    Sources told The New Indian Express, “Infiltration bid has been foiled on LOC in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara area of North Kashmir 1 terrorist killed and one Army jawan also injured.”

    As per the sources, “there were three terrorists trying to infiltrate” and in the ensuing gunfight a soldier of the local Army unit got injured and “is in critical condition.”

    There has been the input of increased infiltration attempts and the security forces, Indian Army, Central Armed Police forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police have raised their anti-infiltration and also counter-terror operations.

    The forces in Jammu and Kashmir operate in a grid system for quick reaction and to cover maximum ground.

    Amidst the information of the infiltration bid sources in the Army view this and a few previous attempts as part of a plan to push more terrorists into Kashmir as the snow has melted due to summer season.

    As reported by this newspaper a few days back 120 militants eliminated in security operations in Kashmir till June 29 this year, 32 were foreign terrorists.” Only 55 terrorists were killed in the corresponding period in 2021 of which two were foreign terrorists

  • Protect country without worry, Modi govt will take care of your families: Amit Shah to troops

    By PTI

    MAKWAL: Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the International Border (IB) in Jammu on Sunday evening and lauded the bravery of soldiers guarding India’s frontiers.

    Shah, who is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, interacted with BSF jawans and said they should protect the country without any worry as the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take care of their families.

    The Home Minister also visited the last border hamlet of Makwal and told residents that the Modi government is committed to providing every facility and ensuring development in the border areas.

    Shah, along with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, visited Makwal border Out Post (BoP), where he met the BSF jawans and spent some time with them, officials said.

    He was received by the BSF’s Additional Director General (ADG) N S Jamwal. The minister also presented some gifts to jawans and interacted with them, they said. During the interaction, he praised the dedication of the security personnel towards defending India.

    “On the behalf of all the countrymen, I salute the bravery of our security forces and express my gratitude,” Shah said in a tweet later. The minister said that the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi is fully devoted to the welfare of the security personnel guarding the country and their families.

    “I want to tell everyone that you should protect the country without any worry. The Modi government will take care of your families”, Shah said.

    Shah later visited Makwal hamlet, the last village on IB in Jammu to know about the living conditions of the villagers, they said. He interacted with villagers and admired their resilience.

    Shah also visited border bunkers, where the residents take shelter during cross-border shelling. “As much as a citizen living in the national capital has the right to the resources of the country, so do the citizens living in the border villages (on the resources of the country)”, he said.

    The home minister on Sunday began the second leg of his three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir by inaugurating a multi-disciplinary research centre and laying the foundation stone of the third phase of the Indian Institute of Technology at Jagti on the outskirts of Jammu city. Shah said that nobody can stop the era of development that has started in the Union Territory.

    “It’s the land of temples of Mata Vaishno Devi, of Prem Nath Dogra, the land of Syama Prasad Mukherjee’s sacrifice. We won’t let any disruption of peace in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

    This is Shah’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. On the first day of his visit on Saturday, Shah met families of soldiers and civilians killed in a spate of terrorist attacks in the Valley throughout the month.

    He also addressed a youth conclave. Shah held a security review meeting in Srinagar where anti-terror measures were discussed.

  • Independence Day 2020: Soldiers who show valor in Galvan Valley will be honored, see full list

    New Delhi Independence Day 2020: Union Home Ministry has announced the list of gallantry medals on Friday. These brave soldiers will be honored on Independence Day. According to the list, 215 personnel will be awarded Gallantry Award, 80 President’s Police Medal and 631 jawans for commendable work. Apart from this, the ITBP has also recommended the Home Ministry to honor 21 soldiers who had faced China in Galvan Valley in East Ladakh.

    It is to be noted that every year, the Ministry of Home Affairs honors brave soldiers who have worked bravely in different states. All the state governments of the country send a recommendation on the names of policemen for this gallantry awards. This time, in addition to 5 personnel from Assam, 3 from Arunachal Pradesh, 3 from Chhattisgarh, Veer jawans from Jammu and Kashmir Maharashtra are also involved in receiving the honor. The list of gallantry medal winners includes 81 police medals for Jammu and Kashmir Police and 51 for CRPF. Apart from this, Shaheed Mohan Chand Sharma will also be honored posthumously in the 2008 Batla House encounter.

    According to the list released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, three IPS officers of Jammu and Kashmir Police Sandeep (SSP Anantnag), Gurinder Pal Singh (SP Kulgam) and Atul Kumar Goyal (DIG South Kashmir) have been awarded the Police Medal two and Police Officers DIG Vidhi Kumar Birdi and Tejinder Singh (SSP) has been awarded the first and second bar of PMG.

  • Rahul Gandhi insulting slain Army soldiers: Shah

    BJP chief Amit Shah Saturday alleged that Congress president Rahul Gandhi was insulting slain Army soldiers by claiming that the 2016 surgical strike across the LoC was conducted to win the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

    He said that today Army jawans have developed a sense of pride that their government is standing behind them rock solid.

    “Prime Minister Narendra Modi took revenge for Army martyrs. Rahul Gandhi is saying that surgical strike was conducted to win Uttar Pradesh election. You insult the martyrs of the country. You could not even show some courage,” Shah said at a public meeting in Phalodi town of Jodhpur district in Rajasthan.

    Addressing a gathering at Udaipur in poll-bound Rajasthan earlier Saturday, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the surgical strike was made public as the BJP was fighting elections in Uttar Pradesh.

    He also told the gathering, “Like during the Narendra Modi government, surgical strike was conducted thrice during Manmohan Singh government. Are you aware of it? Modi actually reached into the Army’s domain and shaped surgical strike into a political asset.”

    Hitting out at the Congress, Shah said, “On one hand there is a troop of patriots under leadership of Narendra Modi and on the other hand there is a troop which doesn’t have a leader, policy and principles.”

    He also took a dig at Gandhi’s party for not declaring its chief ministerial candidate, and wondered how can an “army” win which has not been able to finalise its leader.