Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi questioned the 2016 surgical strikes, demanding proof from the central government, prompting a sharp rebuke from BJP leaders. Channi expressed doubts about the evidence of the strikes.
Charanjit Singh Channi: A political uproar has ensued after Charanjit Singh Channi, former Chief Minister of Punjab and Congress leader, questioned the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army in 2016. Channi demanded proof of the surgical strikes from the central government, eliciting a b reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Channi Demands Proof of Surgical Strikes
Following a recent Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Channi told the media that while the government claimed surgical strikes in Pakistan, no evidence has been presented to date. He questioned how a bomb blast in India could go unnoticed.
Channi also stated his persistent demand for evidence of the surgical strikes and the need to understand the government's actions against Pakistan. He further questioned the lack of a clear response from the central government ten days after the recent terrorist attack in Pulwama.
BJP's Sharp Rebuttal
BJP leaders bly reacted to the Congress leader's statement. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a Delhi government minister and BJP leader, accused the Congress and the Gandhi family of consistently spreading falsehoods about the Indian Army and Air Force, despite Pakistan itself acknowledging the surgical strikes.
Targeting Channi, Sirsa suggested that if he required proof of the surgical strikes, he should visit Pakistan with Rahul Gandhi to see for himself. He accused the Congress of playing politics at a time when the nation is recovering from a terrorist attack.
BJP Spokesperson's Accusation
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, on social media, targeted the Congress and Channi, alleging that the Congress is repeatedly demoralizing the Indian Army. He further accused the Congress of taking orders directly from Pakistan and using terrorism as a political tool.
Shiv Sena Leader's Comment
Shaina NC, a leader of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), also responded to the controversy. She stated that the Congress should stand with the nation but is instead engaging in politics at an inappropriate time. She further suggested that organizations like the Congress harbor a soft stance towards terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, raising questions about their patriotism.
Channi's Clarification
Following the escalating controversy, Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi clarified his statement, denying any demand for proof of the surgical strikes. Channi asserted that the Congress stands with the government during this difficult time, whether it involves halting water supply to Pakistan or undertaking air strikes. He also clarified that the Congress does not support any anti-national activity.
