Modi using Kargil martyr's phrase for politics: Is an apology enough?

Narendra Modi found himself in the eye of a storm after using Kargil martyr Paramvir Chakra awardee Vikram Batra’s catchphrase, “Yeh dil mange more” for canvassing in Himachal Pradesh. The martyr’s family hit out at the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate saying their son’s name should not be dragged into politics and the Congress jumped in to back them.

Modi was quick to apologise. “I have immense respect for Kargil martyr Vikram Batra and his parents. I will quit politics rather than allow dignity of martyrs be hurt,” the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate said.

BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi had also attempted to defend the statement and said, “The mother should have joined the BJP instead of joining AAP. The words of a martyr are to be respected. She has no copyright over the term and they can be used by everyone.”

Asked if she was too harsh on the family, she said, “It all depends on people who are perceiving it. My intention was clear. We all salute the fact that he fought a war in Kashmir. At the same time the mother of Batra has chosen to contest elections, and elections are a different ball game altogether. I am surprised at the mother’s objection because if it is in her son’s memory what is her issue? It is also the catch line of a soft drink advertisement.”

However, during a debate on Times Now’s News Hour, the father of Vikram Batra, GL Batra said the BJP prime ministerial canddiate’s statement was made purely for political gain.

“What he said during the time of elections was for political use. My son’s name is being misused. On one hand he says I respect martyrs, and on the other hand from where his mother is contesting he says he wants all the four seats. Hence it becomes a political matter,” Batra said.

On Modi’s apology, Batra said, “If does respect the martyr then why has he fielded a candidate against him against Mrs Batra?”

Sudhir Nayak, AAP representative from Himachal criticised Lekhi’s comments and said, “It reeks of arrogance. Why do you think that elections are for a few? Also ‘yeh dil mange more’ is not remembered as a catch line of a soft drink, ask any Indian. Also, why did Modi remember this only in Palampur?”

Shakuntala Bhandarkar, the widow of martyr Lt Colonel Ajit Bhandarkar, was also a part of the debate and pointed out that while politicians were using Batra’s name for their gains they did little for those in the armed forces.

“It is quite disgusting that all this mud slinging is happening when we are still mourning death of Major Vardarajan. Here we have political parties fighting over the tagline. How do they only remember martyrs during the political speeches? Have they remembered the martyrs family? People don’t get allotted land and others have been given acres of land,” Shakuntala said.

Speaking of the countries forces as unsung heroes, Times Now strategic affairs expert Maroof Raza said, “This country and politicians do not respect the armed forces. They do not deserve the armed forces we have. We have holidays for inconsequential politicians, but not for martyrs.”

“They have to be humiliated to be remembered. Why didn’t Modi remember Batra in Rajasthan? He wants to win on a martyrs dead body,” Raza said.

Retired Major General GD Bakshi however, defended Modi’s statement and noted that he had apologised.

“I personally have lost a brother. Captain Vikram Batra is from our regiment. If you are seeking to win an election win in Hamirpur and Palampur, the first Paramvir Chakra also came from that town. Vikram Batra also came from that town. If you wish to win in this land, you have to remember them. Modi has not disrespected him, and if he had, then he has apologised as well,” he said.

But other former army officers said if Modi was serious about his apology he should do more for the armed forces.

“Captain Vikram Batra symbolises the martyrs of this country. In what context did he say yeh dil mange more? He said it in the context of fighting his enemies and trying to get a better result. Today I feel this comment by Modi leads to a bigger poser. If you want more then we also want more. We want National war memorial, one rank one pension, are they willing to do that?” Colonel Anil Kaul said.

Asking politicians to leave martyrs out of the equation, Colonel VN Thapar said, “It is not the death alone on the battle field, but the cause for which he dies. Manoj Pandey had said India is an idea worth dying for. We are not dying for region or religion. All political parties have stooped so low, they will not give up anything that can give them a political advantage. The martyrs have been insulted, kindly leave them out of it.”

While the Congress too had criticised Modi’s comments, they are accused of not doing enough for the family of another Kargil martyr Captain Saurabh Kalia.

Defending the Congress, Randeep Singh Surjewalla said, “What has happened with Modi in this election is that he is known for his childish remarks or denigrating the opposition. Now he has crossed a line. Modi in the case of honouring soldiers is a habitual offender. In February he had said more than our soldiers it is our traders who are taking risks. There can be nothing more denigrating.”