Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi received prior intelligence about the Pulwama terror attack but failed to take adequate steps to protect civilians and security forces.
Politics: Addressing the 'Samarpan Sankalp Rally' in Karnataka, Kharge claimed that Modi received intelligence reports three days before the attack, leading him to cancel his own Kashmir visit. The Congress leader questioned why, if the PM was concerned about his own safety, necessary measures weren't taken to safeguard other citizens and soldiers.
“If there was a threat, why weren't the security forces alerted?” – Kharge
Kharge asserted at the rally that the central government possessed prior knowledge of the impending attack. He stated, "While you cancelled your visit due to intelligence reports indicating a potential attack, you neither alerted the security forces nor the local police. Is the Prime Minister's responsibility limited only to his own security?"
Political Storm over 'Operation Sundar' described as a 'small war'
Mallikarjun Kharge sparked controversy by referring to 'Operation Sundar' as a "very small war," a statement made at a time when the government is publicizing it as a significant military achievement.
The Congress leader stated, “We are all against terrorism, but the government should have been prepared to protect the people. Conducting an operation after the attack is not a solution; prevention is paramount.”
Operation Sundar: India's retaliatory action
Following the Pulwama attack, the Indian Army, on May 7th, launched 'Operation Sundar,' destroying nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Reports suggest over 100 terrorists were killed in the Indian Army's operation.
Following this action, Pakistan launched over 400 drone attacks on India, which were subsequently shot down by the Indian air defense system. In response, India targeted several Pakistani military airbases.
Political posturing or a demand for accountability?
Kharge's statement is viewed by some as politically motivated, while others consider it a serious question regarding public safety. The opposition believes the central government is focused on PR and showcasing post-attack victories, while their preemptive strategy remains weak.
Congress has also demanded a parliamentary inquiry into the attack and the alleged disregard of intelligence information, along with an open discussion in Parliament.
"National security comes first": Congress's unequivocal stance
Kharge clarified in his speech that Congress stands with the nation against terrorism. However, he also emphasized that raising questions is a democratic responsibility.
He stated, “We will continue to demand answers from the Prime Minister as to why the lives of ordinary citizens were not prioritized despite prior knowledge of the threat. This is not politics, but a demand for accountability.”
