New Delhi: Escalating the political conflict over the Pathankot air base attack and ties with Pakistan, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday accused the Congress of being irresponsible and said that they were insulting the martyrs' sacrifices by attacking the Centre and feigning ignorance.
"This probably is the first time ever in history that when the nation was standing together in such a sensitive situation, the Congress is trying to mislead the nation by pretending to be blind to facts," Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told a press conference here.
Condemning Congress' attempts at 'duping' the nation through pointless questions, Naqvi asserted that political jousting took a side-step when it came to national security.
"It's been a while now that Congress has stooped so low. Instead of joining the nation and displaying unity in these tough times, they are raising questions on the sacrifice made by our martyrs and on those who are trying hard to eliminate terrorists," he said.
Accusing the Congress of being on a mission to hamper the nation, Naqvi said that the grand old party was now displaying massive irresponsibility towards sensitive issues like national security.
"They claim that they don't know what happened in Ufa and what happened between the two NSA's even though we have already given our statement, but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears. On 14th December, 2015, Sushma Swaraj gave a detailed explanation in both Houses which answers all their questions," said Naqvi.
Further attacking Congress, he accused them of aiding people with traitor-like mindsets by their relentless attempts at creating doubts and misleading the nation.
"Don't spread doubts and misconception in the nation when it comes to national security. You have all your answers but you're feigning ignorance to mislead the nation," Naqvi added.
Earlier today, the Congress launched a fresh salvo at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asked as to what assurances were given to him during his surprise visit to Pakistan last month while asserting that the attack on Pathankot's air base was a sad beginning to the New Year.
"This was not only a terrorist attack and an attack on humanity, but an attack on India. We salute the brave soldiers, who fought and gave a befitting reply to the attackers and some made the supreme sacrifice," said Congress leader Anand Sharma.
The Congress leader also asked the government to disclose the understanding reached between NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Nasir Khan Janjua in Bangkok after the cancellation of talks in August.
"Does the Prime Minister believe that Pak establishment, including their Army and ISI are for the dialogue process? Was Prime Minister Modi suspicious when the Pak NSA was absent in Lahore, during his surprise visit?" he asked while seeking a reply from the government.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is overseeing the ground situation in Pathankot.
