The Congress on Wednesday attacked the BJP-led Central government over the Naxal attack and said that despite its “tall talk” no lessons from Pulwama have been learnt.
Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said the country needs preventive action, accountability for this failure and not ‘jumlas’ (rhetoric) and lectures. “We condemn the brutal terror attack on our jawans in Maharashtra. India stands firmly behind their families, well wishers & friends in this hour of grief,” Mr. Patel tweeted. Chief spokesperson of Congress Randeep Surjewala, tweeted, “Strongly condemn the attack on C-60 Commandos in Gadchiroli. My condolences. Their sacrifice would not go in vain.”
Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar demanded the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis following the IED blast by Naxals in Gadchiroli in which 15 policemen and a civilian lost their lives.
Mr. Fadnavis holds the Home portfolio and “he should step down immediately”, Mr. Pawar tweeted.
“Those who feel shame of conscience if not shame of public opinion would have resigned. But the people who are in power today are not going to do so,” Mr. Pawar added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack saying perpetrators of such violence will not be spared. He tweeted, “Strongly condemn the despicable attack on our security personnel in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra. I salute all the brave personnel. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said the government will ensure that such incidents do not recur. Mr. Ahir is the MP from Chandrapur which borders Gadchiroli in eastern Maharashtra.
“We have yet to get complete information about the incident. “We will definitely give a befitting reply,” the Minister said.
