Credit goes to PM; I only planned, took decision: Parrikar on surgical strikes

Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal had hit out at NDA for exaggerating govt's role in the military action.

Mumbai

: Amid allegations that government is taking undue credit for the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said that major credit goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The major share (of credit) goes to the Prime Minister. I could claim a role in decision-making ability and planning,” said Parrikar.

Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and few Congress leaders had hit out at NDA for exaggerating the government's role in the military action on September 29.

Modi had warned ministers against ‘chest-thumping’ on the Indian Army’s surgical strikes. He also said that ministers should not speak out of turn on the issue. The Prime Minister made clear that only those authorised should speak on the strikes.

India attacked terrorist launch pads across the LoC on September 29, with the security forces killing 38 terrorists. However, Pakistan has refused to acknowledge that surgical strikes took place in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling it Indian propaganda.

Meanwhile, the Opposition have also questioned the Centre on the strikes, saying that proof of the strikes must be shared by the government.

Footage of the strikes-filmed in part by drones - was submitted to Modi, said reports.