On Monday, the Congress party raised serious concerns regarding the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, which took place on April 22, claiming the lives of 26 people. Congress general secretary Bhupesh Baghel demanded answers from the government, questioning whether the perpetrators of the attack had been apprehended or eliminated. He also sought clarification on who was responsible for the security lapses that led to this devastating incident.
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Baghel called out the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for politicizing the Pahalgam attack on social media platforms. He also raised an important diplomatic issue, asking whether there had been a shift in India’s foreign policy, particularly regarding the potential for third-party involvement in the matter between India and Pakistan. This, he said, could have implications on how the country handles such delicate matters in the future.
Baghel pointed out that the BJP’s approach to the attack seemed more focused on scoring political points rather than addressing the national tragedy at hand. He also questioned the diplomatic repercussions of US President Donald Trump’s announcement, which involved a cessation of firing between India and Pakistan. Was this an example of a diplomatic failure on India’s part? This query resonated deeply, as the Congress leader suggested that such announcements might have been made without proper consultation with India’s government, leaving the country vulnerable in the face of external pressures.
One of the more striking elements of Baghel’s remarks was his focus on the government’s leadership and its handling of national security. He expressed dismay over the lack of a special session of Parliament to discuss the incident, questioning why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not called for an all-party meeting to address these pressing issues. He further emphasized that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge would no longer attend such meetings if the Prime Minister himself did not take part.
Baghel’s comments also included a look back at the past, drawing comparisons between the current government and the leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He recalled the 1971 war, where India stood strong against international pressures, particularly from the United States. "In 1971, Indiraji showed the world that India will not bow down to anyone," Baghel noted, stressing that India’s military was still deployed with the same indomitable spirit today.
Asserting that Congress has always put national interest above politics in times of crisis, Baghel reminded the nation of the party’s role in ensuring unity during critical moments. "In 1971, Indiraji rejected pressure from America and defeated Pakistan. Even today, we have the same pledge, as one needs nationalism and not politics in the fight against terrorism," he said. This powerful reminder of the party’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s security added a layer of gravitas to his critique.
The former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister also highlighted Congress's response to the situation, noting that the party had canceled all political rallies and postponed its "Save Constitution" rallies. Instead, they had launched the "Jai Hind Yatras" to bring the people together in the fight against terrorism, showing a strong shift towards unity over partisan politics. This shift in approach reflected the party’s broader message that the fight against terrorism transcends political divides and requires collective action.
One of the key questions raised by Baghel was about the lack of a special session of Parliament. He stated that the government needed to address the pressing issue of whether the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack had been neutralized or captured. The lack of a clear response from the government, according to Baghel, only added to the confusion and frustration among the public.
The Congress leader also questioned who would take responsibility for the lapses in security that allowed the attack to occur. "Who is taking responsibility for the security lapses in Pahalgam, which the government has admitted at the last all-party meeting?" he asked. Baghel went further, probing whether the Home Minister would resign over these lapses, calling into question the accountability of the current administration.
A particularly striking aspect of his criticism was the suggestion that the government's shift in foreign policy was contributing to the emotional turmoil of the people. Baghel accused the BJP-led government of being overly influenced by external pressures, particularly from the United States. He claimed that India was agreeing to whatever the US dictated, without even attempting to counter it or protect national interests. This foreign policy shift, Baghel argued, was not only compromising India’s security but was also playing with the emotions of the citizens, who were left feeling helpless and betrayed.
Baghel also criticized the manner in which President Donald Trump announced the military understanding between India and Pakistan to stop firing at each other in the wake of Operation Sindoor. The way in which the announcement was made, without prior consultation or a proper diplomatic response from India, left the country feeling humiliated, according to Baghel. This, he argued, was yet another example of how the government was failing to protect India’s interests on the global stage.
The Congress leader’s demand for a special session of Parliament was framed as a necessary step to restore confidence in the government’s ability to manage national security effectively. He emphasized that the situation required urgent attention and that the public needed clarity on whether the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack had been apprehended or eliminated.
In conclusion, Baghel’s press conference painted a picture of a government that, according to Congress, was failing to take responsibility for its actions and lapses. His demand for accountability on both the security and diplomatic fronts highlighted the party’s deep concerns about the current state of affairs. With questions of national security, foreign policy, and leadership at the forefront, the Congress party’s call for a special session of Parliament reflected a wider dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of critical issues facing the nation.
By raising these important questions and pointing to the failures in both domestic and international spheres, the Congress party continues to position itself as a vigilant opposition that seeks to hold the government accountable for the challenges facing India.
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