New Delhi: The BJP has sharply criticized Congress leader P. Chidambaram for his recent comments suggesting that the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack may have been “homegrown.” The party accused Chidambaram and Congress of trying to clear Pakistan of blame. This has increased political tensions ahead of the Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the terror attack on July 18 in Jammu and Kashmir.
In an interview, Chidambaram questioned the belief that the terrorists came from Pakistan. “Why do we assume they came from Pakistan?” he asked. He referenced media reports that quoted two retired Army officers who described the incident as a “hit and run attack by homegrown terrorists.” He also questioned whether the incident was a proper operation or an intelligence failure.
Chidambaram alleged that the government was hiding the true extent of its losses during Operation Sindoor. “They are also hiding the losses. I said in a column that in a war, losses occur on both sides. I understand that India would have suffered losses. Be upfront,” he said. He pointed out how wartime leaders should address such issues, saying, “Winston Churchill in World War II made statements every other day. Whatever losses they suffered, Britain made it clear. They seem reluctant to admit the losses. But losses are inevitable and natural in a war. So, admit the losses. I think they believe they can cover up Operation Sindoor. It won’t work.”
Chidambaram also questioned the silence from top leadership. “Why is the Prime Minister not speaking on Operation Sindoor? Why is there a reluctance to debate in the temple of democracy? That’s what Parliament is. After all, Prime Minister Modi has addressed the nation and various rallies,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the ceasefire. “Let’s be honest, it was not the Indian government that announced it. It was Donald Trump,” he stated.
The BJP quickly responded, accusing Congress of trying to protect Pakistan and undermine the armed forces. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla claimed that Chidambaram was repeating Pakistan’s narrative. Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya also criticized the former Home Minister, saying, “P Chidambaram, former UPA-era Home Minister and the original proponent of the 'Saffron Terror' theory, is trying to cover himself in glory again: Have they (NIA) identified the terrorists or where they came from? For all we know, they could be homegrown terrorists. Why assume they came from Pakistan? There is no evidence of that.”
Malviya continued, “Once again, Congress rushes to clear Pakistan of blame—this time after the Pahalgam terror attack. Why is it that every time our forces deal with Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Congress leaders sound more like Islamabad's defense lawyers than India’s opposition?” He added, “When it comes to national security, there should be no ambiguity. But with Congress, there never is—they always bend over backwards to protect the enemy.”
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla echoed these criticisms, accusing Congress of siding with Pakistan just hours before Parliament began its discussion. “From 26/11 to the Surgical Strike to Pahalgam, Congress ka haath, Pakistan ke saath,” he said. With the government and the Opposition gearing up for the important debate, Chidambaram’s remarks are likely to come up in the House.
In response to the BJP’s criticisms, Chidambaram took to social media, claiming his statements were being misrepresented. “Trolls come in different forms and use various tools to spread misinformation. The worst type is a troll who suppresses the full recorded interview, takes two sentences, mutes some words, and paints the speaker in a negative light,” he posted on X.
The remarks have sparked a heated political face-off just as the Lok Sabha begins the long-awaited debate on Operation Sindoor. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will open the discussion, with expected participation from Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
