Tharoor's Statement on Surgical Strikes Sparks Controversy, Exposing Congress Rift; Kheda Clarifies, BJP Attacks Congress, Tharoor Targets Critics.
New Delhi: The Congress party is once again embroiled in controversy over surgical strikes. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's statement, claiming that "the surgical strike on Pakistani terrorist camps was the first time India had done so after the Uri attack," sparked a debate on social media, with the BJP seizing the opportunity to attack the Congress party.
However, Tharoor clarified that his statement was misrepresented. Senior Congress leader Pawan Kheda subsequently attempted to quell the controversy, stating that the matter was now closed.
Tharoor's Statement: First Surgical Strike After Uri Attack
During an event, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stated, "After the Uri attack, India conducted a surgical strike on terrorist launchpads for the first time. This made the terrorists realize they would have to pay a price." This statement came amidst heightened India-Pakistan tensions following the recent Pulwama attack and the subsequent Indian Army operation 'Operation Sindhur'.
Tharoor's statement caused a stir in political circles. The BJP immediately seized upon it, targeting the Congress. Social media also debated whether 2016 truly marked the first surgical strike.
Tharoor's Clarification: My Statement Was Misrepresented
Following the controversy, Shashi Tharoor clarified, stating, "I was only referring to India's response to terrorist attacks, not past wars. My statement was misunderstood and deliberately misconstrued."
Tharoor further added that India had exercised restraint in previous years, respecting the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). He maintained that his statement only addressed the shift in India's response to terrorist attacks.
Tharoor also criticized his detractors, saying, "Some people are misrepresenting my statement; they have nothing better to do. I don't want to pay attention to such trolls; I have better things to do."
Congress's Response: Surgical Strikes Also Occurred During UPA's Reign
Following Tharoor's statement, Congress also offered its clarification. Congress spokesperson Pawan Kheda stated, "Tharoor has clarified his position. He never said surgical strikes didn't happen before. This controversy should now end. The BJP is always looking for opportunities to create discord in society and families."
Kheda claimed that six surgical strikes occurred during the UPA government's tenure, but the Congress never publicized them.
Kheda also posted a picture from the 1965 war, showing Indian soldiers capturing the Burki police station in Lahore, attempting to prove that India has undertaken such operations in Pakistan before.
Attack on Tharoor: Questions Raised Within the Party
Congress leader Udit Raj directly attacked Shashi Tharoor, stating that Tharoor was besmirching the party's history and being dishonest. He claimed an attempt was being made to erase the glorious history of the Congress.
Tharoor's statement and the resulting internal rift within the party highlighted the lack of unity on this issue within Congress. The party's displeasure intensified when Tharoor accepted an invitation from the central government for Operation Sindhur's global outreach.
