- The art of politics played out by the political parties to corner the ruling dispensation can take any hue that is not unknown to the citizens of India. The political parties, irrespective of affiliations, are always on the lookout to consolidate their assiduously built vote banks, which need no further elaboration. An extremely diverse, varied, vibrant, and multicultural country like India always struggles to exhibit cohesiveness vis-à-vis caste, creed, religion, linguistics, ethnicity, and other related equations. However, one aspect that generally unites the entire nation – whatever the differences over other issues, is none other than nationalism. The entire country unites in a show of unity when it comes to issues of sovereignty and national pride.
PC: freepik
- No wonder the nation accords the highest respect to armed forces personnel as well as paramilitary forces for ensuring we all stay at peace. The sacrifice, martyrdom, valor, sheer grit, and determination shown by the personnel always propel unbridled nationalism among the citizens. Hence, huge respect is reserved for the personnel of the fighting forces. We all know how the opposition went hammer and tongs when the dastardly Pulwama attack took place, killing 40 CRPF personnel posted in Jammu and Kashmir. Sadly, engaging in petty politics to advance local concerns over the slain paramilitary troops is harsh and shows a lack of compassion for the families of the fallen warriors. Who will, however, convey that to the political satraps?
- Of course, finding skeletons in the cupboard of the incumbent government is legitimate politics that all those in the opposition must pursue. But to find an egg and then wave it in front of the public, saying, “Look, we found a skeleton,” is grossly ridiculous. Many would have noted the recent remarks on Pulwama by the former Jammu and Kashmir governor, claiming that the Modi government had refused to provide aircraft to ferry CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar in February 2019, resulting in the deaths in a suicide attack. When one side’s objective is to score a political goal, it is difficult to argue back with facts and logic. Mind you, the terrorist organization was not specifically looking at ramming an explosive-laden car into a particular bus in the convoy.
PC: freepik
- Moreover, several army convoys passed through the same road before the CRPF convoy. The former governor also omitted to say when the airlifting request was made. As reported, the terrorists had planned the attack on February 6. But the night before, it snowed, resulting in the closure of the national highway and, subsequently, convoy movement. There is significant convoy movement within the valley on any given day. So, it was not only a question of airlifting 2,547 CRPF personnel. Insinuations of all sorts have been thrown around since 2019, pointing out how the attack helped Modi win the elections hands down. Agreed, there was an intelligence failure in Pulwama. Let’s not question the integrity and fighting capabilities of our forces. That is cheap politics.
