New Delhi, March 22: A political row erupted after close confidant of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, sought to know the number of terrorists killed in air strikes in Balakot and pitched for talks with Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a series of tweets, hit out at Sam Pitroda said: "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations".

Speaking to news agency ANI, Pitroda said it would be naive to assume that if some people came here and attacked, every citizen of that nation is to be blamed. "I don't know much about (Pulwama) attack, it happens all the time, attack happen in Mumbai Taj hotel and Oberoi hotel. We could have reacted then and sent our planes but that is not the right approach according to me that's not how you deal with the World. Eight people come (referring to Mumbai 26/11 attacks) and do something, you don't jump on the entire nation," the Chairman of the Overseas Indian National Congress said.

Reacting to Pitroda's remarks, PM Modi said the Congress leader was demeaning armed forces. "The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces. Shame!" he tweeted. PM Modi said, referring to Mumbai 26/11 attacks, said everyone knows that the Congress was not willing to hit back. Rahul Gandhi Attacks PM Narendra Modi, Asks ‘Who Escorted JeM Chief Masood Azhar From Indian Jail to Pakistan?'.

"Loyal courtier of Congress’ royal dynasty admits what the nation already knew- Congress was unwilling to respond to forces of terror," he said, adding "This is a New India- we will answer terrorists in a language they understand and with interest!" The prime minister also slammed the entire opposition and accused them of insulting armed forces by questioning the death toll in the Balakot airstrike conducted by the Indian Air Force. Congress Leaders Kapil Sibal, Ajay Singh Question Balakot Air Strikes Result, Ask PM Narendra Modi to Respond.

PM Narendra Modi's tweets on Sam Piroda's remarks:

"Opposition is the natural habitat of terror apologists and questioners of our armed forces. This reprehensible statement by a senior leader like Ram Gopal Ji insults all those who have given their lives in protecting Kashmir. It humiliates the families of our martyrs," PM Modi said in another tweet. He pointed out at Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav's statement in which he called Pulwama terror attack a conspiracy.

"Opposition insults our forces time and again. I appeal to my fellow Indians- question Opposition leaders on their statements. Tell them- 130 crore Indians will not forgive or forget the Opposition for their antics. India stands firmly with our forces," PM Modi tweeted with hashtag #JantaMaafNahiKaregi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 22, 2019 11:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).