Unity is need of the hour

Though both the ruling BJP and a host of Opposition parties said they would all stand together when it comes to the country’s internal security post Pulwama terror strike, the PM’s assertion soon after the Balakot airstrike that the country was in safe hands and he would never let it down was perceived as an attempt to personalise a military success. It is regrettable that both the NDA and the Opposition are goading each other into making political, over-the-top statements.

The worst instance is BS Yeddyurappa’s statement on the BJP’s electoral advantage due to the airstrike. Even though the general elections are fast approaching, this is not the right topic for our leaders to indulge in a slugfest. Such discord will give the neighbour an opportunity to question the BJP-led government’s intentions and play the ‘victim’ card to the hilt. The edge gained by India courtesy the airstrike and the diplomatic onslaught should not be frittered away.

The defence forces, which are in a state of high alert, can certainly do without the distraction caused by political bravado. Unity in adversity is the need of the hour. At stake right now is the nation’s security, which must not be compromised at any cost. The electoral battle can be fought another day.

K Venkata Ramana, Vikarabad