BJP rejects opposition's politicisation charge

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Wednesday denied opposition charges of politicising the sacrifices of the armed forces.
BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said the statement by the 21 opposition parties has been lapped up by the Pakistani leaders and media to give an expression that India is not united even in this hour of crisis.
The BJP leader urged the opposition parties to ponder over the statement in the interest of the country.
Earlier today, a meeting of 21 opposition parties expressed anguish over what they alleged was "blatant politicisation" of the sacrifices of armed forces and urged the government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity and integrity.
After a meeting, which lasted over three hours, in the Parliament Library, the leaders of these parties issued a joint statement, expressing concern over the prevailing security situation in the country.
"Anguished over blatant politicisation of sacrifices of armed forces by ruling party. Urge government to take the nation into confidence on all measures to protect India's sovereignty, unity, integrity. National security must transcend narrow political consideration," the joint statement said.
The parties also condemned the "dastardly" Pulwama terror attack by "Pakistan-sponsored" terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammed on February 14. The leaders paid homage to the soldiers killed in the attack and expressed solidarity with the Armed Forces.
(With inputs from PTI)