BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma slams KCR for seeking proof of surgical strikes

Guwahati, February 14: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday slammed Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao for questioning the surgical strikes. Notably, KCR has asked for proof from the Central government over the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in September 2019. Sarma took to Twitter and shared the video of Rao's press conference where he demanded proof. "On the anniversary of the Pulwama attack, the opposition has again insulted our martyrs by questioning the surgical strike," Sarma tweeted. He further added "In an attempt to prove their loyalty to the Gandhi family, they have betrayed the army. My loyalty is with the army. Abuse me all your life, I don't care." On Sunday, Rao had said, "Even today, I am asking for the proof. Let the government of India show (the proof). The BJP makes false propaganda that is why people are asking for it." Also Read | India to run by Constitution, not Islamic law: Yogi Adityanath over hijab row Since last week, the two CMs have been at odds over the issue of surgical strikes. The argument erupted on Friday, when Assam's Chief Minister, speaking at an election rally, stated, "Look at the mentality of these people. General Bipin Rawat was the pride of the country. India conducted the surgical strike in Pakistan under his leadership. Rahul Gandhi demanded proof of the strike. Did we ever ask you for proof of whether you are Rajiv Gandhi's son or not? What right do you have to demand proof from my Army?" Following this, Telangana Chief Minister KCR urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Jagat Prakash Nadda to sack Assam Chief Minister for his remarks about Rahul Gandhi. In a retort to KCR, Sarma sneered at Rao, stating, "I believe that questioning the Army whether they have carried out the surgical strike or not is the biggest crime. He (Telangana CM KCR) got agitated by my comment on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi but not by Rahul Gandhi's comment on our Army." For unversed, the Indian Army had conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in September 2016 after 19 of the Indian Army soldiers were killed in the base camp in Uri. Meanwhile, India observes the third anniversary of the Pulwama attack where 40 army personnel were killed in an attack on the CRPF convoy that took place in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14, 2019. Also Read | Karnataka hijab row: Schools reopen till Classes 10 -PTC News