NATIONAL: Kharge Grills Govt on Pahalgam Terror Breach
Congress President and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, sharply criticized the Narendra Modi government during a discussion on Operation Sindoor, questioning how terrorists infiltrated Pahalgam despite claims of curbing terrorism.
He demanded accountability from Home Minister Amit Shah for the security lapses that led to the April 22, 2025, attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives.
Challenging Government’s Anti-Terrorism Claims
Kharge challenged the government’s assertion that terrorism’s roots have been eradicated, pointing to the Pahalgam attack as evidence of persistent vulnerabilities.
He accused the BJP-led administration of a threefold increase in terror incidents, urging it to acknowledge its shortcomings in preventing such attacks. The opposition leader emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in addressing these failures.
Allegations of Inadequate Border Security
The Congress chief criticized the government’s failure to protect border communities from Daiyadi attacks during Operation Sindoor.
He called for the identification and punishment of remaining terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, highlighting deficiencies in intelligence and border security measures.
Kharge stressed that the government’s inaction exacerbated risks for civilians in vulnerable regions.
Opposition’s Stance on National Unity
Kharge refuted claims that the INDIA alliance supports Pakistan, dismissing such accusations as false propaganda.
He reiterated the opposition’s unwavering support for India’s armed forces during Operation Sindoor and its commitment to national interests.
The Congress leader emphasized that the opposition has consistently condemned Pakistan’s role in fostering terrorism.
Critique of Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Kharge questioned Prime Minister Modi’s silence on US President Donald Trump’s announcement of the India-Pakistan ceasefire, viewing it as an unacceptable third-party interference.
He demanded a robust foreign policy to address regional threats effectively, criticizing the government’s diplomatic approach as inadequate. The opposition leader underscored the need for India to assert its sovereignty in international relations.
Modi’s Absence and Political Priorities
The Congress President expressed dismay over Modi’s absence from an all-party meeting convened to discuss the Pahalgam attack, noting that the Prime Minister was campaigning in Bihar during this critical period.
Kharge also highlighted Modi’s failure to respond to opposition letters, accusing him of prioritizing political engagements over national security discussions. This absence, he argued, reflected a lack of seriousness in addressing the crisis.
Call for Accountability and Action
Kharge urged Home Minister Amit Shah to take responsibility for the security lapses in Pahalgam, calling for concrete measures to prevent future attacks.
He advocated for a comprehensive strategy to counter terrorism, including enhanced intelligence and border security protocols. The opposition leader’s remarks underscored the need for the government to prioritize citizen safety over political narratives.