Thiruvananthapuram: After India terrorised Pakistan with a major airstrike at Balakot, destroying Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camps, the Pakistani leadership responded, as expected, with a barge of words condemning the attack.
However, what surprised many political observers is the accusation made by the CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. He alleged that the airstrikes were conducted to derail the Lok Sabha elections. His remarks came as a stark contrast to other national leaders, cutting across party lines, who congratulated Narendra Modi and Indian Air Force for the attack.
Another interesting element of the communist leader’s statement is the remarkable similarity it has with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s comments after meeting the National Security Committee. Imran Khan responded that the airstrike was conducted for “domestic consumption” in an election year.
Many analysts believe that Kodiyeri Balakrishnan’s statements have hurt the sentiments of millions of Indians who were celebrating the grand success of the airstrikes. It also undermines the bravery of the brave Air Force pilots and officers who took part in the planning and execution of the attack.
The Communist party always took an anti-India stand when it comes to national security and unity of the nation. For example, during the 1962 war against China, the party’s support to the enemy was evident. The party even went as far as opposing blood donation to the injured Indian Soldiers.
Time and again the communists took a soft stand against Islamic terrorism. The party was against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru and criticised his execution in the strongest manner.
When looked from a historical point of view, the statement of Kodiyeri Balakrishnan is no surprise. No wonder one feels the similarity between Pakistani PM’s response and the CPI(M) leader’s statements.
