NEW DELHI: Indian opposition parties slammed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on Wednesday for “blatant politicisation” of the prevailing security situation and deaths of armed personnel, signalling that they would no longer restrain themselves from questioning him.

“The meeting of 21 parties expressed their deep anguish over the blatant politicisation of the sacrifices made by our armed forces by leader of the ruling party. National security must transcend narrow political considerations,” the Opposition joint memorandum said. It was read by Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The parties observed that the prime minister “regrettably” had not convened an all-party meeting as is the norm.

The memorandum mourned the death of 40 CRPF jawans in Pulwama and hailed the Indian Air Force for the cross-border strikes. They also expressed “deep concern” for the Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, captured by Pakistan.

The Opposition parties deliberated on the question of how to react to the air strikes and retaliation from Pakistan.

Senior Congress functionaries said that party president Rahul Gandhi, while speaking at the meeting, emphasised that this was not the time for a political slugfest. Mr Modi, who has not met the media or opposition leaders since the start of the flare up, plans to address a televised political rally on Thursday, which the opposition parties have objected to.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2019