Controversial Claims Surround Pulwama Attack by Political Leader
Allegations of a Political Conspiracy
In a contentious statement, Samajwadi Party leader Sanatan Pandey has asserted that the 2019 Pulwama terrorist attack was a conspiracy orchestrated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he claims failed to fulfill its electoral promises. Speaking to a news outlet, Pandey stated that the attack, which resulted in the deaths of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, was not the result of any foreign plot. He alleged that the incident was part of the BJP's strategy ahead of the elections, highlighting that the party had made promises in 2014 to create two million jobs, double farmers' incomes, reduce inflation, and bring back black money, none of which were realized in five years.
Questioning the Official Narrative
Pandey further expressed his belief that the BJP was lying about the circumstances surrounding the Pulwama attack, insisting it was a part of their scheme rather than an external conspiracy. He criticized the party for failing to explain the source of the RDX used in the attack and accused them of lacking a developmental agenda. According to him, the BJP aims to gain power by inciting public emotions rather than addressing poverty in Parliament. He pointed to the current political climate in West Bengal as evidence of this tactic, questioning whether national media outlets are serving the interests of the nation or targeting specific communities.
Background of the Pulwama Attack
On February 14, 2019, a suicide bombing claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. The Indian government has attributed the attack to the Pakistan-based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India conducted an operation on February 26, 2019, based on intelligence that targeted a major JeM training camp in Balakot. This operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous JeM terrorists, trainers, and senior commanders who were being trained for fidayeen activities. The camp was allegedly led by Maulana Yusuf Azhar, the brother-in-law of JeM chief Masood Azhar.