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Updated: Mar 22, 2019 23:48 IST

Congress leader Sam Pitroda raised questions about the Balakot air strikes on Friday, triggering a controversy that saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders launch an attack on the Congress and its chief, Rahul Gandhi.

Questioning the rationale for the February 26 air strikes deep inside Pakistani territory 12 days after the February 14 Pulwama suicide attack, Pitroda said one cannot “jump on an entire nation” (Pakistan) just because some people from there “came here and attacked”. In an apparent reference to the Pulwama attack, Pitroda, who heads the Indian Overseas Congress, said attacks happen all the time.

Referring to the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 when the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was in power, he said the then government could have sent its planes but that was “not the right approach”. He sought details from the Modi government on Balakot, citing foreign media reports that questioned claims on the number of terrorists being killed in the air strikes.

In response, Modi said: “The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kickstarted the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces. Shame!”

Pakistan celebrates its National Day on March 23.

Modi also posted a series of tweets with the hashtag #Janta Maaf Nahi Karegi (people will not forgive): “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...!” BJP chief Amit Shah tweeted: “Difference between the opposition and BJP is clear. They suspect our army, we are proud of our army...”Jaitley dubbed Pitroda’s remarks “unfortunate” and a “blessing for Pakistan’s narrative”.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala countered saying his party had “unequivocally” said the Pulwama attack was a “grave national security failure” of the Centre.