Narendra Modi is today in Gujarat's Patan to address a huge rally. During his speech, the Prime Minister referred to the episode of Abhinandan's capture by Pakistan soon after the Balakot airstrikes by India on February 26.

"When Abhinandan (the IAF Wing Commander) was captured by Pakistan, I said to Pakistan that, if anything happens to our pilot, we will not leave you," Modi said in his own style. Everybody knows that Pak released Abhinandan without much delay. Although he was not treated well by the Pak Army, panic was palpable on the part of Pak. The Pak PM Imran Khan said that Abhinandan would be released as a peace gesture but it was fear that made him take the decision.

Modi can legitimately take credit for Abhinandan's release. Says @India_Progress, "Modi should repeat this in every rally. And BJP folks also. People appreciated how quickly Abhinandan came back. That created a massive aura."