Panaji: BJP Goa Spokesperson Giriraj Pai Vernekar strongly criticized the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) for organizing a Tiranga Yatra in honour of India’s armed forces, calling it hypocritical and politically motivated. Vernekar accused the Congress party of having a long history of undermining the armed forces, citing past controversies, alleged defence scams, and statements made by its top leaders.
“The Congress has no moral right to honour our jawans after years of mocking and maligning them,” Vernekar said. He referred to multiple incidents, including Rahul Gandhi’s alleged politicisation of former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s illness in 2019, baseless corruption allegations in the Rafale deal, and the infamous Bofors scandal from the 1980s.
He also pointed to controversial remarks by senior Congress leaders such as Rahul Gandhi’s “khoon ki dalali” comment post-surgical strikes, Digvijaya Singh questioning the Balakot airstrike, and Navjot Singh Sidhu hugging Pakistan’s Army Chief.
“The Congress party has consistently questioned and insulted our armed forces, often echoing Pakistan’s narratives. Their sudden display of patriotism is nothing but a farce,” Vernekar said, adding that the BJP-led government remains committed to strengthening India’s defence and holding adversaries accountable.
He concluded by warning that the BJP would soon release a detailed list of defence-related scams under Congress rule and reiterated the Centre’s firm stance on national security under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
