(Image source from: livemint.com)

Overseas Indian National Congress Chief Sam Pitroda, one of the close confidant of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, raked up a controversy by raising questions on Indian Air Force’ Air strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Pakistan’s Balakot in aftermath of Pulwama terror attack.

In a Interview to news agency ANI, Sam Pitroda said,“I would like to know a little more because I read reports in the New York Times and other newspapers. Did we really attack? We really killed 300 people?,”

He added, “I don’t know that. As a citizen, I am entitled to know and if I ask it is my duty to ask, that doesn’t mean I’m not a nationalist, That doesn’t mean I am on this side or that side. We need to know the facts. If you say 300 people were killed, I need to know that. We all need to know that, people of India need to know that and then comes global media which says nobody was killed. I look bad as an Indian citizen.”

"Don't know much about attacks. It happens all the time. Attack happened in Mumbai also, we could have then reacted and just sent our planes but that is not right approach. According to me that's not how you deal with world," he said.

Later in the interview he clarified that his remarks on the Pulwama terror attack and Balakot air strikes were his personal views and not those of the Congress. “I am talking as an individual. I am talking as a scientist. I believe in reason. I believe in logic. I believe in data. I don’t believe in emotions,”, he said according ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quickly responded to comments made by Sam Pitroda, he said that people won’t forgive and forget the opposition.

He wrote on twitter, “The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces. Shame!”

“Loyal courtier of Congress’ royal dynasty admits what the nation already knew- Congress was unwilling to respond to forces of terror. This is a New India- we will answer terrorists in a language they understand and with interest!,” he said

He added, “Opposition insults our forces time and again. I appeal to my fellow Indians- question Opposition leaders on their statements. Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics. India stands firmly with our forces.”

By Sai Kumar