Mission Shakti announcement flouts EC code: Mamata

Kolkata, March 27 (IANS) After Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced that India became the fourth country to acquire anti-satellite capability, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused him of violating the model code of conduct.

"Today's announcement is yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by PM Modi, desperately trying to reap political benefits at the time of election. This is a gross violation of the model code of conduct," Banerjee tweeted.

Dubbing the announcement as a political stunt before elections, she wrote: "There is no great urgency in conducting and announcing the mission now by a government past its expiry date. It seems a desperate oxygen to save the imminent sinking of the BJP boat."

The Chief Minister said they would be 'lodging a complaint with the Election Commission'.

According to her, the scientists deserve the credit and like always, the Prime Minister took credit for the success of 'Mission Shakti'.

"Research, space management and development are a continuous process. Modi, as usual, likes to take the credit for everything. Credit to those who really deserve it, our scientists and researchers," Banerjee said.

Praising the brilliant brains of the nation, she wrote: "India's Mission Programme is world-class for many many years. We are always proud of our scientists, @DRDO_India, other research & space organisations".

The Prime Minister said only the US, Russia and China possessed the technology until now and India became the fourth nation to join the club.

"Our scientists targeted a live satellite in space, 300 km away, in low earth orbit. The pre-fixed target was destroyed by the A-SAT in just three minutes. With this, India has established itself as a space superpower." Modi said in a nationally televised speech.