New Delhi, Mar 27 (IANS): A war of words erupted on Wednesday between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah and Congress President Rahul Gandhi after India successfully tested its anti-satellite missile A-SAT.
Gandhi congratulated the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists over India demonstrating anti-satellite capabilities but took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for, what they said, making a pitch of it in the poll season, and wished him "happy World Theatre Day".
Shah hit back at Gandhi for ridiculing the achievements of the scientists, saying all that the "dynasty" has done is to plunder, weaken and ruin the nation.
"After spending a lifetime of humiliating our soldiers, leaders of the opposition have expanded their influence to ridiculing our scientists. Thus speaks the inheritor of the dynasty that thinks - All the nation's a stage!" he said in a series of tweets.
"For them: Sacrifices of soldiers - drama, Success of scientists - drama, Masquerading as leaders, all that 'The Dynasty' has done is to plunder, weaken and ruin the nation," he said.
The BJP President said the truth is that the proficient scientists always had the talent and capability and all that was needed was the go-ahead from the government.
"UPA did not have the courage to back its institutions and people, NDA under PM Modi has shown the conviction to do so. The anti-satellite (A-SAT) missile was successfully tested in Space but it seems a few people on Earth have also got hurt."
Earlier, Gandhi said in a tweet that he is very proud of the feat achieved by the DRDO.
"Well done DRDO, extremely proud of your work. I would also like to wish the PM a very happy World Theatre Day," he wrote.
India on Wednesday demonstrated its capability to interdict and intercept a satellite in outer space based on completely indigenous technology. The test was conducted in lower atmosphere to ensure that there is no space debris.
Modi made the announcement about DRDOs achievement in a televised address.
The first phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections will take place on April 11.