Congress President Kharge Demands Accountability from Amit Shah Over Pahalgam Attack
Kharge Calls for Resignation of Home Minister
In a recent session of the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition and Congress President, criticized Home Minister Amit Shah for the security failures that led to the terror attack in Pahalgam. He insisted that Shah should take responsibility and resign if he is found accountable.
During a special discussion regarding India's decisive 'Operation Sindoor' in response to the Pahalgam incident, Kharge highlighted a statement from Jammu and Kashmir's Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, which acknowledged security lapses.
Kharge questioned the Home Minister's accountability, stating, 'If he is responsible, let him vacate his chair. If not, we will see what action the Prime Minister takes.'
He also expressed concern over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence regarding US President Donald Trump's claims of mediating a ceasefire with Pakistan, questioning whether India had accepted third-party intervention.
Kharge remarked, 'Despite the camaraderie showcased during Howdy Modi and Namaste Trump, no country, including the US, openly condemned Pakistan, indicating a lack of support for India.'
He raised several questions about the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, including why it was accepted when Pakistan was at a disadvantage and whether the US had intervened during Operation Sindoor.
The Congress leader demanded a report on the Pahalgam attack, similar to what was released after the Kargil war, and criticized Modi's past unscheduled visit to Pakistan, emphasizing the need for a coherent foreign policy.
Kharge also condemned the Prime Minister's inaction regarding insults directed at the armed forces by BJP members and criticized the party for idolizing Modi.
He pointed out the recurring nature of terror attacks in Kashmir, citing incidents from Uri, Pathankot, and Pulwama, and called for accountability from the government regarding these failures.
Kharge insisted that the government must acknowledge its lapses in preventing such attacks and questioned the motives behind the Lt Governor's admission of security failures.
He expressed frustration over the government's lack of response to opposition letters and highlighted the unprecedented invitation extended by an American President to the Pakistan army chief.
Kharge questioned how terrorists managed to execute the Pahalgam attack despite claims of dismantling terrorist infrastructure in the region.
He referenced statements from key military officials regarding operational mistakes and political constraints affecting military decisions.
The Congress President demanded clarity on whether there was prior intelligence about the Pahalgam attack and criticized the government's failure to protect citizens during Operation Sindoor.
Kharge concluded by emphasizing the need for the government to locate and eliminate the remaining terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack and criticized Modi for prioritizing campaigning over national security discussions.