In a disheartening turn of events, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Tejas aircraft sortie took center stage in Bangalore on the same day that Captain M.V. Pranjal, a brave officer who sacrificed his life in the line of duty, was laid to rest with full military honors.
Captain Pranjal, aged 29, of the 63 Rashtriya Rifles, lost his life during an encounter with terrorists in the Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Thousands gathered to pay their respects during the final march before his cremation, covering a distance of 23 km from his residence at Nandanavana Layout to the Somasundarapalya crematorium.
The farewell march echoed with patriotic chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Captain Pranjal Amar Rahe,’ expressing the nation’s gratitude for his sacrifice. Political leaders, including BJP’s leader of opposition R. Ashoka and Bengaluru Rural MP D.K. Suresh, praised Captain Pranjal’s bravery and service to the nation.
However, amidst the solemn atmosphere, criticism emerged as it was noted that Prime Minister Modi, who was present in Bangalore on the same day, did not attend Captain Pranjal’s last rites. Reports suggest that PM Modi was engaged in a photoshoot and videoshoot with the Tejas aircraft, showcasing India’s indigenous capabilities in the field of aviation.
The opposition, particularly the Congress party, seized the opportunity to take a swipe at the Prime Minister. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a post on social media, remarked, “It doesn’t cost the ‘master of chunavi photo-ops’ much to acknowledge the efforts and endeavors prior to 2014.”
The controversy gained momentum as critics questioned the priorities of the Prime Minister, emphasizing the significance of acknowledging the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel. Despite the state government’s announcement of Rs 50 lakh as a mark of respect for Captain Pranjal, the absence of the Prime Minister during the solemn occasion did not go unnoticed.
The Congress party underscored the achievements of Tejas, emphasizing its tribute to India’s indigenous scientific and technological capacity. Nevertheless, they called for a balanced approach, urging political leaders to recognize and honor the sacrifices of military personnel.
As the nation mourns the loss of Captain M.V. Pranjal, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the delicate balance between political engagements and honoring the sacrifices of the armed forces, urging leaders to prioritize solemn occasions over political optics.
