Opposition would not have spared Modi govt if surgical strike failed: Manohar Parrikar

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on 10 October asserted that if the recent surgical strike carried out by the Indian Army on Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) would have been a failure, then the opposition would not have spared the Centre, adding that there is no need to provide proof on the covert operation.

"We showed political maturity and Modi Government showed daring. If surgical strike was a failure, opposition would have not spared us," said Parrikar.

"Indian army is capable to face any adversity and I believe that there is no need of any proof for the surgical strike," he added.

Parrikar emphasised that the capacity and integrity of the Indian army cannot be doubted and added the certification of political leaders over bravery of defence personnel is not required.

"What was required was political will and capacity which we showed during surgical strike. It was an opportunity for me to protect the interest of the county," he said.

Lashing out at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's 'Khoon ki dalali' remark Parrikar pointed out towards the submarines and helicopters deal that took place in the UPA regime and said "There was dalali in 2006, when submarines deal took place. There was Dalali also in helicopters deal," he said.

Taking the ongoing battle over the surgical strikes by the Army to another level, the Congress lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for using the sacrifices of the Indian soldiers for his political gains and garner votes in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh and Punjab polls.

Addressing a press conference here, party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala re-iterated that the UPA Government in its days had never politicised or beat the drum when they conducted surgical strikes, "because those who were supposed to get a strong response got the message and we were satisfied by that", adding that "our brave Armed Forces were behind the victory and our government never tried to take credit for it."