Bengaluru, Jun 1 (UNI) In remarks that could escalate political tensions, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of repeatedly politicising military operations and using national security for self-promotion during election campaigns, a charge that is expected to draw a sharp response from the BJP.
Addressing reporters here, Kharge took direct aim at the Prime Minister’s recent speeches invoking cross-border military action, warning that such rhetoric risks reducing the Army’s work to a tool for electoral mobilisation.
"I say this without any political bias – everyone must come together and focus on those who are threatening or intimidating our soldiers. But instead, we keep hearing: 'I did this, I achieved that, I alone can do this.' Issuing such self-congratulatory statements, especially about the armed forces, is not appropriate," Kharge said.
He underscored that the nation owes its security to the sacrifices and professionalism of the Indian Army, not to any individual leader. "The entire country stands today because of our military. Whatever the Army does, it does for the nation, and we all support them," he noted.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s own past statements, Kharge said, "Modi himself had earlier declared that he would not interfere and had given full authority to the armed forces and their chiefs. If that is the case, then why does he keep referring to military action in his speeches? Why bring this up repeatedly in the middle of an election campaign?"
Kharge warned that matters of national security should not be used for political mileage. "Using Army operations in election rhetoric for self-image or votes is simply not right. This is a matter of national dignity and security, not personal publicity," he added.
While the Congress leader insisted he was speaking beyond party lines, political observers expect the BJP to strongly rebut the remarks. The party has in the past accused the Congress of undermining the morale of the armed forces whenever such comments surface.
The BJP has often positioned PM Modi as a decisive leader on matters of defence and national security, particularly following the 2016 surgical strikes, the 2019 Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor after Pahalgam terror attack. Kharge's comments challenge that narrative head-on, questioning both the intent and tone of the Prime Minister’s speeches.
Political reactions from the BJP are awaited.
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