CM says country worried about the safety of IAF pilot but PM busy strengthening polling booths

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Thursday scathing attacked upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi for interacting with BJP workers through a video-conference, saying when the entire country was worried over the safety of IAF pilot who is in Pakistan's custody, he was busy strengthening polling booths. The prime minister on Thursday interacted with about one crore BJP workers in 15,000 locations through what the party said was the "world's largest video conference".

Under the BJP's 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot' programme, Modi is slated to have direct dialogue with about a crore BJP workers, volunteers and others through the "world's largest video conference" at noon on Thursday.

"At a time when India is facing hostility of war and country needs firm leadership, PM Narendra Modi instead of concentrating on the matters of national security trying to serve political interest by addressing his BJP workers is ridiculous besides betrayal of national sentiments (sic)," said in the Assembly.

Arvind Kejriwal had earlier urged Modi to postpone his mega video-conference, saying the nation's energy must be spent on getting the IAF pilot back from Pakistan's custody.

An IAF pilot was captured by Pakistan after an air combat Wednesday during which the two sides said they shot down each other's warplanes that followed an unsuccessful attempt to target Indian military installations in retaliatory strikes that sparked fears of war.

IAF sources identified the pilot as Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

Speaking in the Delhi Assembly, Arvind Kejriwal said the entire country was pained by the killing of 41 CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack but the Indian Air Force took revenge by dropping bombs inside Pakistan.

"The capture of our pilot Abhinandan has again pained the country. The entire country is with the government, but the prime minister is busy strengthening his polling booths," the chief minister said.

Pakistan Prime Minster Imran Khan Thursday announced that IAF's captured pilot Abhinandan will be released on Friday as a gesture of peace and the "first step" to open negotiations with India.