The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a strong attack against Sonia Gandhi and the Congress party regarding the UPA government's response to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The BJP's criticism stems from recent remarks made by former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who stated that the UPA government decided against military retaliation against Pakistan due to foreign pressure.
The BJP has accused the Congress of mishandling the situation and bowing to external pressures, ultimately impacting the nation's sovereignty. BJP leaders have questioned whether Sonia Gandhi, who was the UPA chairperson at the time, had overruled Chidambaram's personal view in favor of retaliation. They allege that the Congress-led UPA government succumbed to foreign influence and gave Pakistan a "clean chit" in the 26/11 attacks.
Several BJP figures have voiced their criticism. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that Chidambaram's admission confirms what the nation already knew: that the 26/11 attacks were mishandled due to foreign pressure. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has accused the Congress of taking orders from then US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and questioned why Sonia Gandhi allegedly prevailed over the Home Minister. Ravi Shankar Prasad, another BJP MP, has also questioned the Congress and Sonia Gandhi regarding the UPA government's weak stance after the attacks, asking, "Where was Sonia's bravery?".
Chidambaram's remarks have sparked a significant political debate, with the BJP highlighting its own record of firm responses to terror, contrasting it with what they describe as the UPA's "timid" approach during 26/11. The BJP has emphasized its own strong responses to terror, including actions taken after the Pahalgam attack.
In response to the BJP's accusations, the Congress party has defended its actions during the 26/11 crisis. The party has argued that the decision not to retaliate militarily against Pakistan was taken after careful consideration of all factors, including the potential consequences of a military conflict. They maintain that the UPA government acted in the best interests of the country, prioritizing peace and stability in the region.
