P. Chidambaram, the former Home Minister, has stirred a political debate with his recent remarks concerning the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Chidambaram stated that the then-UPA government, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, decided against military retaliation against Pakistan due to substantial international pressure. He specifically mentioned that the US, among other nations, urged restraint to prevent escalation into war.
Chidambaram, who had recently assumed the role of Home Minister following the attacks, revealed that the possibility of retribution did cross his mind. He stated that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also considered retaliation while the attacks were ongoing. However, he said that the Ministry of External Affairs and diplomats advised against a physical response. He noted that Condoleezza Rice, then US Secretary of State, visited Delhi shortly after he took office, conveying the message to not react. Chidambaram stated that he responded by saying that the government would make its own decision.
The BJP has strongly criticized Chidambaram's statements, dismissing them as "too little, too late". They accuse the Congress-led UPA government of mishandling the situation and succumbing to foreign pressure. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that Chidambaram's admission confirms what the nation already knew – that the 26/11 response was mishandled due to external influence. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari went further, calling the Congress party "anti-India".
The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, which occurred in November 2008, involved ten Pakistani terrorists who carried out coordinated attacks across Mumbai, resulting in the deaths of over 160 people and leaving hundreds injured. The attacks, claimed by Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based terrorist organization, triggered widespread outrage and calls for strong action.
The BJP has long accused the Congress of adopting a soft stance against Pakistan and terrorism. They argue that the UPA government's decision against retaliation after 26/11 exemplifies this approach. Some BJP leaders have questioned whether Sonia Gandhi, the then-leader of the Congress party, influenced the decision-making process.
Chidambaram's remarks have reignited the debate over India's response to the 26/11 attacks and the role of international pressure in shaping the country's foreign policy decisions. The BJP's criticism reflects the party's consistent stance on national security, advocating for a more assertive approach in dealing with terrorism and perceived threats from Pakistan.
