Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, 27 March, congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the success of ‘Mission Shakti’ while wishing PM Narendra Modi ‘Happy World Theatre Day’.
Addressing the media in Amethi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she was proud of the scientists at DRDO, adding that it is one of India’s great institutions founded by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1950.
Earlier, the Congress took to Twitter to congratulate the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), DRDO and the government and credited Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi for India’s Space Programme.
“We congratulate @isro @DRDO_India & the Govt on the latest achievement for India. The Indian Space Programme established in 1962 by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru & the Indian Space Research Organisation set up under Smt. Indira Gandhi has always made India proud through its achievements (sic).”
PM Doing Publicity Mongering Over DRDO’s Achievement: Oppn Slams Modi
Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav said that PM Modi has diverted India’s attention from real issues with the announcement of Mission Shakti.
BSP Chief Mayawati congratulated the DRDO while saying that PM Modi used India’s achievement for electoral gains.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that DRDO’s achievements are being used for publicity mongering by PM Modi.
Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, meanwhile, congratulated the DRDO, without targeting the government.
‘India Now an Elite Space Power’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite, describing it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.
"In the journey of every nation there are moments that bring utmost pride and have a historic impact on generations to come. One such moment is today," he said in an unprecedented broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media.
"India has successfully tested the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) Missile. Congratulations to everyone on the success of #MissionShakti," the prime minister tweeted later.
He said the action was not directed against any country and the satellite was a pre-determined target orbiting at an altitude of 300 km.
The prime minister did not say who owned the satellite but added that India does not breach any international laws or treaties.
Mission Shakti, which was led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was aimed at strengthening India’s overall security, he said in his address that comes a fortnight before the start of the general election.
India is only the fourth country to acquire such a specialised and modern capability after the US, Russia and China. The "entire effort is indigenous. India's stands tall as a space power. It will make India stronger, even more secure and will further peace and harmony,” Modi said.
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