In a recent political escalation, the Indian National Congress has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of politicizing the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and undermining national unity by leveraging the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The Congress party's remarks come amidst ongoing debates about national security and the government's approach to dealing with cross-border terrorism.
Manish Tewari, a prominent Congress MP, stated that PM Modi's statements on the Mumbai attacks serve to weaken India's unified stance against terrorism. Tewari emphasized that the decades-long struggle against terrorism and the sacrifices made by Indian armed forces should not be reduced to political rhetoric.
The Congress party has a history of criticizing the Modi government's handling of Pakistan-related issues. In June 2025, the party alleged that the government had failed to isolate Pakistan diplomatically following a terror attack in Pahalgam, calling it a "criminal betrayal" of Indian soldiers and citizens. Pawan Khera, head of the Congress's media and publicity, pointed out that instead of facing isolation, Pakistan has received support from various international entities. These include China, which has supplied advanced military equipment, and financial institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, which have pledged substantial aid.
Further, the Congress has previously accused the Modi government of weakening the international pressure built against Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai attacks. They cited PM Modi's impromptu visit to Pakistan for birthday and marriage celebrations as an example of actions that diluted India's stance. The Congress also criticized the decision to allow a Pakistani Joint Investigation Team (JIT), including members of the ISI, to investigate the Pathankot airbase attack, arguing that it allowed Pakistan to deflect blame.
Prime Minister Modi has, in turn, questioned the Congress party's response to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, suggesting a lack of decisive action. These exchanges highlight a continuing disagreement between the ruling party and the opposition on matters of national security and foreign policy, particularly concerning Pakistan. The political ramifications of these accusations are potentially significant, especially in a climate where national security issues often dominate public discourse. The Congress party's criticism aims to portray the Modi government as inconsistent and ineffective in its approach to combating terrorism and dealing with Pakistan.
