MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena on Monday said while taking a dig at its ally BJP said that calling people “anti-national” just because they are political opponents is nothing but suppression of freedom of expression.
The Sena added that patriotism is not the monopoly of a single party. The remarks come amid a row over politicisation of the air strike.
Shiv Sena in an editorial in its mouthpiece ”Saamana” stated that “Patriotism is not the monopoly of a single party, we wonder when politicians will understand that the action (air strike) was part of duty (of soldiers) and not a task asked to be carried out.”
While referring to Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari who wore military fatigues at a recent rally, Sena said the one seeking votes wearing military fatigues and the one demanding proof of the air strike and are equally wrong.
The editorial further added that the terror attack in Pulwama in which over 40 CRPF soldiers were killed on 14 February was more serious than the air strike and images of the destruction in Kashmir could be used by the Opposition to corner those in power.
“It doesn’t look good when the Election Commission has to intervene and ask the political parties not to use images of jawans in political campaigns,” said the editorial.