Following India’s decisive “Operation Sindoor” in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, a fierce political debate has erupted. While the Central Government has lauded its firm action against terrorism, the Congress party has launched sharp criticisms, questioning the efficacy and transparency of the operation. This stance has drawn strong condemnation from the ruling party, which has accused Congress of undermining national resolve and, in a controversial move, showing undue sympathy towards Pakistan and the very terrorists responsible for the attack.
This report compiles 54 distinct incidents spanning from the Kargil War in 1999 to the recent Pahalgam Attack in 2025. These documented instances highlight allegations that the Congress party, during various periods, questioned the Central Government’s actions against terrorism and, in doing so, was perceived by some as demonstrating sympathy towards Pakistan and terrorist entities.
Congress’s anti-Bharat stance on Pahalgam attack
Congress Leader P Chidambaram gives a clean chit to Pakistan in Pahalgam terror attack
Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram has sparked controversy with his recent statements regarding the Pahalgam Terror Attack. In an interview with The Quint, Chidambaram questioned the widely held assumption that the attackers originated from Pakistan, stating, “Why do you assume that the attackers came from Pakistan?” He further pressed for evidence, asking whether the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had identified the terrorists or their point of origin, suggesting they could potentially be “homegrown terrorists” as there was “no evidence of that.” Chidambaram also accused the government of “hiding the losses” incurred during “Operation Sindoor,” India’s counterstrike following the Pahalgam attack, asserting that “in a war, losses will occur on both sides” and urged transparency regarding India’s casualties.
Previous Instances of Chidambaram’s Stance on Pakistan
This is not the first time Chidambaram’s remarks have drawn criticism for allegedly favoring Pakistan.
1. In May 2025, during a controversy surrounding an India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement, he questioned whether India’s decision was influenced by external pressure, particularly from the US.
2. Earlier, in April 2019, at an Observer Research Foundation (ORF) symposium, he emphasised that India must “change its behaviour toward Pakistan” to influence Islamabad’s conduct, advocating for a “more harmonious relationship” and stressing that “war is not an option.”
3. In February 2017, Chidambaram asserted the necessity of continuous engagement with Pakistan, highlighting their perpetual neighbourly status and cautioning against inconsistent foreign policy, arguing that dialogue remained the sole sustainable solution.
4. Furthermore, in December 2016, he insisted that India should not abandon diplomacy even in the face of provocations, reiterating the need to “continue to engage with Pakistan” to eventually find a way to coexist peacefully.
Congress MLA questions religious targeting in Pahalgam attack
Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar asserted that the government should take responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack, challenging the narrative that the victims were targeted based on their religion. He questioned, “The government should take responsibility for the Pahalgam terrorist attack. They (the government) are saying that terrorists killed people after asking them (about their religion). Do terrorists have time for all this?… Some people say that this did not happen.” Wadettiwar further criticised the security lapses, asking, “26 people have been killed in Pahalgam. Why was there no security? What was your intelligence doing? This isn’t govt’s failure? But nobody talks about this? They only say they (terrorists) killed people after asking them if they were Hindu… Terrorists don’t have any religion, don’t do all this.”
Former Union Minister suggests trusting Pakistan’s denials
Speaking to Press Trust of India regarding the Pahalgam attack, senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz controversially suggested accepting Pakistan’s denial of involvement, at least initially. He stated, “If Pakistan says it is not involved in the Pahalgam terror attack, accept it for now and trust its investigative agencies.” Soz emphasised that dialogue is the only path forward, asserting, “What will prevail with Pakistan is dialogue. Dialogue and discussion. There is no military solution, no weapons, no swords.”
Karnataka Minister doubts religious questioning by terrorists
Karnataka cabinet minister Ramappa Balappa Timmapur expressed skepticism about terrorists inquiring about victims’ religion during an attack. He stated, “During a terrorist attack, the attackers kill people and quickly flee. In such a situation, do they have time to ask the victims their names to find out whether they are Hindus or not? I don’t think so.” Timmapur further criticised what he called “vested interests” trying to inject religious angles into every incident, accusing the BJP of “trying to take political benefits from the deaths of innocents.”
Senior Congress leader advocates against immediate war
Veteran Congress leader Dr. Karan Singh, while acknowledging the necessity of steps taken post-attack, cautioned against immediate military escalation. He advised, “Steps have been taken and they were necessary… It’s better if we do not go to war now, but we will see how the situation develops.”
Robert Vadra links attack to “deteriorating atmosphere” for Muslims
Commenting on the Pahalgam attack, Robert Vadra, businessman and son-in-law of the Gandhi family, offered a controversial perspective. He stated, “The atmosphere in the country is deteriorating in the name of Hindu-Muslim, due to which Muslims are feeling uncomfortable and this is the reason why people are being killed after asking for their identity.”
Mani Shankar Aiyar attributes attack to “unresolved questions of partition”
At an event at the India International Centre, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar linked the Pahalgam attack to historical factors. He remarked that the “terrorist attack at the green tourist spot of Baisaran on April 22 was the fallout of ‘unresolved questions of Partition’.”
Karnataka CM prioritises internal security over war with Pakistan
Following the Pahalgam attack, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah voiced his opinion against immediate military conflict. He stated, “There is no need for war with Pakistan. We are not in favor of war. We should take strict steps and strengthen our security.”
Youth Congress leader dismisses religious angle, cites past incidents
Youth Congress leader Mohammad Arman used the social media platform ‘X’ to dismiss the religious angle in the Pahalgam attack. He wrote, “It is not right to give the angle of religion. People have been shot after asking for names before as well – sometimes in a train, sometimes in a crowd. That too is terrorism.”
Congress leader states “terrorists have no religion”
Congress women’s leader Mumtaz Patel, in her comments on the Pahalgam attack, emphasised a commonly held sentiment about terrorism. She stated, “Terrorism has no religion, we should not divide society in the name of religion.”
Telangana CM asks PM Modi: “How many Rafales were shot down?” Refers to “our Pakistan”
Addressing a ‘Jai Hind’ rally in Hyderabad, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy raised pointed questions regarding “Operation Sindoor.” He demanded to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi called a ceasefire to military operations against Pakistan and specifically asked, “PM Modi, who purchased war fighter jets from another country, should answer how many Rafale jets have been downed by Pakistan… You have favoured thousands of crores worth of contracts to people who are close to you and purchased Rafale jets, but why did they get destroyed? You should answer this.” Controversially, during his speech, Reddy also referred to Pakistan as “Mana Pakistan” (Our Pakistan), drawing significant backlash.
Rahul Gandhi questions aircraft losses in “Operation Sindoor”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the number of Indian aircraft lost during “Operation Sindoor.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), resharing an earlier post, Gandhi wrote, “EAM Jaishankar’s silence isn’t just telling – it’s damning. So, I’ll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew?” He further asserted, “This wasn’t a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth.”
Congress leader questions completeness of terrorist eliminations
Commenting on “Operation Sindoor,” Congress leader Rashid Alvi stated that a “much better reply needs to be given,” implying the government’s response was “bare minimum.” He questioned the effectiveness of the operation by asking, “Was every single terrorist killed? Will there won’t be another Pahalgam? PM Modi had said that the remaining land of terrorists will be destroyed…if that has happened, then it is good…”
Karnataka Congress leader blames Indian government, calls attack “secular”
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, M. Laxman of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee asserted that the central government and the BJP were politicising the incident. He controversially stated that since Muslims were also killed in the attack, it indicated a “secular” terror attack. Laxman further placed responsibility for security lapses on the Central Government, claiming, “As the Union govt holds all powers, including the appointment of police personnel, even though the state has a democratically elected govt, it must bear responsibility for the security lapses.” He also accused BJP functionaries of seeking “cheap publicity” with the upcoming assembly elections.
Congress questions India’s actions on Pulwama attack and surgical strikes
A series of statements from various Indian National Congress leaders between 2019 and 2025 have raised doubts and sought proof regarding the 2019 Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent Balakot surgical strikes. These statements have been interpreted by some as an “Anti-Bharat stance” or “Anti-India stance on terrorism.”
Channi questions surgical strikes
On May 3, 2025, Charanjit Singh Channi, a Member of the Lok Sabha, questioned the veracity of the surgical strikes conducted in response to the 2019 Pulwama attack. He stated that while 40 Indian soldiers were killed in Pulwama and the government boasted of action during elections, there was no visible evidence of strikes in Pakistan or casualties there. Channi emphasised that if a bomb were thrown in India, people would know, implying a lack of transparency regarding the strikes. He consistently demanded proof, asserting his right as a citizen to know the facts.
Revanth Reddy doubts Balakot airstrikes
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, on May 10, 2024, also questioned the authenticity of the Balakot airstrikes from February 2019. During a press conference, Reddy stated that “Nobody knows for sure if the airstrike, as was claimed, took place.” He further criticised the Prime Minister, asking what he was doing and why the Pulwama attack was allowed to happen, questioning the government’s efforts in boosting internal security and utilising agencies like IB and RAW.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury: ‘What happened is still unclear’
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, on February 5, 2024, sought evidence of the Balakot airstrikes. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Chowdhury stated, “What happened in Balakot airstrikes is still unclear. Where is the proof (of airstrikes)? We have no information on the airstrikes.” He also referenced international agencies, reportedly stating that there had been “no consequences in Balakot.”
Digvijay Singh questions Balakot and surgical strikes
On January 23, 2023, Congress leader Digvijay Singh questioned the authenticity of the 2016 surgical strikes by the Indian Army and termed the Modi government’s claims as “bogus.” Addressing a public rally in Jammu, Singh stated that while the Centre spoke of surgical strikes and killing militants, there was no proof, alleging that the Centre was “ruling with the help of lies.”
Sam Pitroda questions casualty numbers in Balakot
Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Overseas Indian National Congress, on March 22, 2019, questioned the number of deaths in the Balakot airstrikes. He cited reports from international newspapers like the New York Times and questioned if 300 people were indeed killed. Pitroda asserted his right as a citizen to know the facts, especially when global media reported no casualties, stating it made him “look bad as an Indian citizen.”
Congress MP alleges ‘match-fixing’ on Pulwama
B.K. Hariprasad, a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, on March 7, 2019, alleged “match-fixing” between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan regarding the Pulwama terror attack. He told reporters in Bengaluru that without such an arrangement, the Pulwama incident “would not have taken place.”
Kamal Nath demands fisclosure of Balakot facts
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, on March 7, 2019, called on the government to disclose facts about the Balakot air strikes, including the number of buildings and camps destroyed and casualties. He questioned why the government was withholding information, especially when international news agencies were raising doubts.
Chidambaram questions casualty figures in airstrike
On March 4, 2019, former finance minister P. Chidambaram, via Twitter, highlighted the discrepancy in casualty figures reported for the Balakot airstrikes. He noted that the IAF Vice Air Marshal declined to comment on casualties, and the MEA stated no civilian or military casualties, questioning who provided the 300-350 casualty figure. Chidambaram urged the government to make an effort to be believed globally, rather than “indulge in opposition-bashing.”
Sidhu demands proof of terrorist casualties
Navjot Singh Sidhu, former Punjab Minister, tweeted on March 4, 2019, questioning the number of terrorists killed in the Balakot airstrikes: “300 terrorists dead, Yes or No? What was the purpose then? Were you uprooting terrorists or trees? Was it an election gimmick? Deceit possesses our land in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. Stop politicising the army, it is as sacred as the state.”
Opposition seeks veracity of terrorist counts
On March 4, 2019, R.P.N. Singh, a Member of Rajya Sabha, stated at a press conference that the Congress urged BJP president Amit Shah and the Union government to disclose the truth about the number of terrorists killed across the border, accusing the ruling party of “blatantly politicising the air strikes.” He highlighted the varying figures given by different BJP leaders (250, 300, 350) and noted that the IAF chief had stated it was the government’s duty to count casualties.
Kapil Sibal demands proof of IAF strike on Jaish camp
Kapil Sibal, a Member of Rajya Sabha, on March 4, 2019, sought proof of the Indian Air Force’s strike on Jaish-e-Mohammad’s largest camp in Pakistan. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising terror and cited international media reports (New York Times, Washington Post, etc.) suggesting no proof of militant losses in Balakot.
Goa Congress leader questions Pulwama terrorist body
On February 27, 2019, Goa Congress leader Chellakumar alleged during a press conference that the Pulwama attack was orchestrated by PM Modi. He claimed that “even the Godhra incident was planned by BJP,” and questioned why the Pulwama terrorist’s body had not been shown to the public, implying manipulation by the government.
Anto Antony alleges BJP behind Pulwama attack
On February 28, 2024, Congress leader Anto Antony, a Member of the Lok Sabha, alleged the BJP’s involvement in the Pulwama attack. He questioned how a large quantity of explosives could reach Pulwama without the government’s knowledge and asserted that India’s internal security was the government’s responsibility. Antony also highlighted a warning about not sending jawans by road, suggesting negligence. He further questioned how Pakistan could be blamed for an incident that occurred within Indian borders.
Rahul Gandhi questions ignored intelligence inputs
On February 16, 2021, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Indian National Congress in the Lok Sabha, quoted a Frontline report to question why Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not act despite prior intelligence about a potential suicide attack. Gandhi stated that on February 14, 2019, the Prime Minister was “busy shooting a film” while ignoring intelligence inputs, leaving soldiers to die in Pulwama. He pressed for answers on why actionable intelligence was overlooked.
Congress asks how explosives reached Pulwama
On March 3, 2019, Congress’s national spokesperson, Pawan Khera, questioned the Central government over the Pulwama attack. During a press conference in Guwahati, Khera asked how RDX reached the area and why a civilian vehicle was permitted on the road when a large CRPF convoy was moving. He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s whereabouts and activities for two hours after the incident, claiming he was engaged in a “photo-shoot.”
Rahul Gandhi questions who benefited most from Pulwama attack
On February 14, 2020, Rahul Gandhi used Twitter to question who benefited most from the Pulwama attack and the outcome of the inquiry into it. He asked: “Who benefitted the most from the attack? What is the outcome of the inquiry into the attack? Who in the BJP Govt has yet been held accountable for the security lapses that allowed the attack?”
Congress questions government on Pulwama over intelligence breach
On February 21, 2019, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala criticised the Modi government and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval over the Pulwama bombing, questioning the intelligence breach. Surjewala asked how terrorists could transport 350kg of explosives through a highly protected highway and how they knew the exact route of the CRPF jawans, implying an intelligence breach and a lack of accountability. He also questioned the government’s failure to act on a video released by Jaish-e-Mohammad 48 hours before the attack.
Navjot Singh Sidhu states ‘terror has no nationality’
On February 15, 2019, former Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu stated that “terrorism has no country.” He condemned the “cowardly attack” and called for justice, but also asserted that “taking someone’s life is not a solution” and that “Terrorism has no religion. Terrorism has no caste, party and Terrorism has no country.” These remarks were criticised for appearing to offer a “clean chit” to Pakistan.
Randeep Surjewala refers to Pulwama terrorist as ‘home grown so-called terrorist’
On February 21, 2019, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala referred to the terrorist who attacked CRPF jawans in Pulwama as a “Home-grown so-called terrorist.” This phrasing was perceived by some as insulting the sacrifice of the martyred soldiers.
Congress leaders question government’s handling of Uri attack and surgical strikes
Following the Uri terror attack in September 2016 and the subsequent surgical strikes by the Indian Army, several leaders from the Indian National Congress raised questions and made critical statements directed at the Modi government. These remarks often sought proof of the strikes, criticised the government’s approach to Pakistan, or blamed political leadership for security failures.
Sanjay Nirupam demands proof of surgical strikes
On October 4, 2016, then-Congress leader (now Shiv Sena) Sanjay Nirupam demanded that the Centre provide proof of the surgical strikes carried out in Pakistan-occupied J&K (PoJK). He stated that without such proof, all claims made by the government were “fake,” and that Pakistan was “insulting India on the international platform” due to this lack of evidence. Nirupam, while expressing pride in the army, accused the Centre of attempting to gain “political advantage and make political gains out of the sacrifice of our soldiers.”
P Chidambaram suggests releasing surgical strike video footage
Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, on October 4, 2016, indicated that public demands for the release of video footage of the surgical strikes were to be expected, given the Narendra Modi government’s “political ownership” of the military action. He stated that “Having taken political ownership for the cross-border action and having publicised it so much, it is only to be expected that people will demand that the video be released.” He had previously stated on October 3, 2016, that it was up to the government to provide proof of the strikes.
Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Khoon ki Dalali’ remark
During a rally in Uttar Pradesh on October 6, 2016, Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “playing politics over the blood of soldiers.” Gandhi famously stated, “Hamare jawaan hain jinhone khoon diya hai, jinhone surgical strike kiya, unke khoon ke peechhe aap (PM) chhupe hue ho. Unki dalali kar rahe ho…Yeh bilkul ghalat hai…Hindustan ki sena ne Hindustan ka kaam kiya, aap apna kaam keejiye.” (Our jawans have shed their blood, who carried out the surgical strike, you (PM) are hiding behind their blood. You are doing brokerage of their blood…This is absolutely wrong… India’s army did India’s work, you do your work.)
Digvijay Singh questions authenticity of surgical strikes
Congress leader Digvijay Singh, on January 23, 2023, reiterated his questioning of the authenticity of the 2016 surgical strikes by the Indian Army against militant launch pads, terming the Modi government’s claims “bogus.” Addressing a public rally in Jammu, Singh claimed that “They (Centre) talk about surgical strikes and that they have killed so many of them (militants) but there is no proof. The Centre is ruling with the help of lies.”
Mani Shankar Aiyar calls for dialogue on Kashmir, questions surgical strikes
At an event on November 14, 2016, Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar stated that India-Pakistan Partition was an “accident.” Referring to Prime Minister Modi, Aiyar commented that those with the “guts to conduct surgical strikes” seemed to lack the “guts in holding dialogue and resolving the issue” in Kashmir. He suggested that “If they had sat for dialogue, things would not have turned that ugly in Kashmir.” Aiyar also questioned the effectiveness of surgical strikes, stating, “How many surgical strikes will they conduct? The number of surgical strikes on Pakistan for occupying Kashmir is more than the terror attacks by them on Kashmir in India. But the consequences of attack remain the same.”
Congress blames ‘political leadership failure’ for Uri attack
On September 19, 2016, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala attributed the Uri terror attack to the “failure of the political leadership.” In tweets, he questioned the Modi government’s “confused” Pakistan policy and asked, “Our soldiers were martyred because of political leadership failure. What is Modi sarkar’s (government’s) Pakistan policy? Why is India being repeatedly targeted?” He cited the decision to invite the ISI to investigate the Pathankot attack as a “glaring flaw” and called for the defence minister to be held accountable for India’s “borders and national security… under siege.”
A K Antony criticises government for ‘security lapse’ in Uri
Congress leader A.K. Antony, on September 18, 2016, blamed the Narendra Modi government for the Uri terror attack, attributing the assault to “lapses” in stalling militant infiltration. He called the incident, which resulted in 17 soldiers dead, a “serious security lapse.” Antony stated that the Kashmir issue was “drifting and reaching dangerous propositions” and highlighted that militants managed to enter military camps in both Uri and Pathankot, calling it a “huge security lapse.”
Congress leader Kapil Sibal on continuing dialogue with Pakistan after Sarabjit’s death
On May 4, 2013, Congress leader and Member of Rajya Sabha, Kapil Sibal, stated that India could not unilaterally break off its dialogue process with Pakistan solely based on the Sarabjit issue, arguing that doing so would serve no purpose. In response to questions about Sarabjit Singh’s death, Sibal acknowledged the distress (“We are upset”) but maintained that this alone should not be a reason to halt bilateral discussions with Pakistan. He also emphasised Pakistan’s responsibility to protect Sarabjit while in their custody, drawing a parallel to India’s protection of Ajmal Kasab.
Congress’s controversial stance on 26/11 Mumbai attacks raises concerns
Statements made by prominent leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC) following the devastating 2008 Mumbai terror attacks have drawn significant criticism, with some interpreting them as downplaying Pakistan’s role or even deflecting blame. These remarks have been seen by many as demonstrating a sympathetic approach towards Pakistan or even an attempt to politicise a national tragedy.
Manmohan Singh’s call for dialogue over action post-26/11
On December 23, 2008, then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, instead of advocating for strong retaliatory action against Pakistan after the Mumbai attacks, urged Islamabad to take “purposeful” steps to “destroy the terror machine.” He also called upon the international community to pressure Pakistan to comply with UN resolutions on terrorism. Singh emphasised that “the issue is not war,” but rather the use of Pakistani territory to “aid and abet terror.” This approach was viewed by some as a failure to deliver a decisive response to a direct act of aggression, prioritising diplomatic engagement over immediate justice for the victims.
Digvijay Singh’s allegation of RSS involvement in 26/11
In a highly controversial move, Congress leader Digvijay Singh, on December 28, 2010, accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of being involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attack, rather than squarely blaming Pakistan and the terrorists. Singh even released a book titled “26/11 RSS Ki Saazish?” (26/11, An RSS Conspiracy?). At a book launch event in Delhi on December 6, 2010, Singh claimed that Hemant Karkare, the then chief of Mumbai ATS, who was killed during the attacks, had told him about threats from those opposed to the Malegaon blast probe, in which “Hindu extremists” were accused. This attempt to link a Hindu nationalist organisation to the terror attack, despite overwhelming evidence pointing to Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba, was widely condemned as an egregious attempt to communalise terrorism and deflect attention from the actual perpetrators.
Vijay Wadettiwar’s baseless claim: RSS-affiliated cop killed Karkare
Further escalating the rhetoric, Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, on May 5, 2024, made an astonishing and unsubstantiated claim that police official Hemant Karkare was not killed by terrorist Ajmal Kasab but by an “RSS-affiliated cop.” He also accused Ujjwal Nikam, the government’s lawyer in the 26/11 case, of being a “traitor” for allegedly suppressing this “fact.” This inflammatory statement, made without any credible evidence, was seen as a deliberate attempt to undermine the established narrative of the attacks, absolve the Pakistani terrorist, and malign nationalist organisations and legal figures.
Navjot Singh Sidhu praises Imran Khan on 26/11 anniversary
On November 26, 2018, the tenth anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, former Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, while still associated with the party, openly expressed admiration for Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan, referring to him as a ‘Farishta’ (angel). Sidhu also credited Khan for the initiation of the Kartarpur corridor. This act of praising the leader of a nation widely implicated in the Mumbai attacks, particularly on the solemn anniversary of the tragedy, was perceived by many as deeply insensitive and indicative of a misplaced sense of loyalty, prioritising personal connections over national sentiment.
Sonia Gandhi reportedly cried over Batla House encounter images: Salman Khurshid
On February 9, 2012, while addressing a rally in Azamgarh, Congress leader and former Minister of External Affairs, Salman Khurshid, claimed that then-Congress President Sonia Gandhi “wept bitterly” upon seeing images of the 2008 Batla House encounter. Khurshid stated that he personally took the issue to Gandhi, who was deeply moved and instructed him to discuss the matter with the prime minister for further investigation. He indicated that a decision to appoint a retired Supreme Court Chief Justice to look into the matter was made, and preparations were complete. However, according to Khurshid, the investigation was ultimately stalled due to it being an election period, as some believed it would not be appropriate at that time.
Congress leaders’ controversial stance on 2001 Parliament attack and Afzal Guru
Statements from several prominent Indian National Congress leaders regarding the 2001 Parliament attack and the subsequent hanging of Afzal Guru have drawn significant criticism, with some perceiving them as attempts to question the established narrative or even express sympathy towards the convict.
Sonia Gandhi cites intelligence lapse in Parliament attack
On December 20, 2001, following the terrorist attack on Parliament, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, while addressing the Congress Parliamentary Party, attributed blame to the Central Government for the attack rather than solely to Pakistan or the terrorists. Gandhi stated that “it is distressing that the government showed itself so ill-prepared for the attack notwithstanding advance intelligence furnished among others by our state government in Maharashtra.” She further asserted that it was a “failure of the intelligence which led to tragedy of Kargil” and “again the failure to act upon available intelligence which lies at the root of the attack on parliament.”
Shashi Tharoor calls Afzal Guru’s hanging ‘wrong’
On February 9, 2015, Congress leader and Member of the Lok Sabha, Shashi Tharoor, stated that the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru two years prior was “wrong and badly handled.” Tharoor tweeted, “I think the hanging was both wrong &badly handled. Family should have been warned, given a last meeting & body returned.” His statement potentially caused embarrassment to his own party, which was in power at the time of Guru’s execution.
Former Congress MLAs regret Guru’s hanging
On February 7, 2015, two years after the UPA Government secretly hanged Parliament attack convict Mohd Afzal Guru, five former Congress MLAs from Jammu & Kashmir – G.M. Saroori, Vikar Rasool, Haji Rashid, Mohd Amin Bhat, and Gulzar Wani – issued a written apology. They admitted that “not allowing Afzal’s family to meet him was a ‘mistake’ and the demand for return of his mortal remains was a humanitarian issue.”
P Chidambaram doubts Afzal Guru’s involvement in Parliament attack
On February 25, 2016, former home minister and senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram raised serious doubts over the degree of involvement of Afzal Guru in the 2001 Parliament attacks. In an interview with The Economic Times, Chidambaram stated, “I think it is possible to hold an honest opinion that the Afzal Guru case was perhaps not correctly decided.” He added that while in government, he could not have openly questioned the court’s judgment.
Congress’s controversial stance and perceived disregard for Kargil war victory
The Indian National Congress has faced significant criticism for its actions and statements concerning the 1999 Kargil War, with some interpreting them as undermining the national victory, downplaying the sacrifices of soldiers, or attributing blame for the conflict to the previous government.
Congress MP Rashid Alvi questions Kargil celebrations
On July 26, 2009, Congress leader Rashid Alvi stirred controversy by stating that he saw “no reason to celebrate the Kargil victory.” Alvi remarked, “Kargil isn’t a thing to be celebrated. The war was fought within our territory. We didn’t even come to know when the Pakistani army crossed over and built bunkers inside our territory. It’s only the NDA which may celebrate.” This statement was widely seen as disparaging the efforts and sacrifices of the Indian armed forces and politicising a national victory.
UPA government’s non-commemoration of Kargil Vijay Diwas (2004-2009)
During its first term in office from 2004 to 2009, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government notably did not officially commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas. This period marked a significant absence of formal government-led ceremonies or tributes to honour the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil War, a stark contrast to the annual observance with wreath-laying ceremonies at the Amar Jawan Jyoti during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s administration. The omission drew attention in Parliament in July 2009, with Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar raising the issue and appealing to the Ministry of Defence to institutionalise the observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas, highlighting the perceived lack of respect for the soldiers’ sacrifices.
Former MoS Prakash Jaiswal forgets Kargil war date
Further underscoring a perceived lack of engagement with the Kargil victory, on July 26, 2009, former Minister of State for Home, Sri Prakash Jaiswal, a Congress leader, reportedly could not recall when the Kargil War was fought and won. When asked about Vijay Diwas, he allegedly inquired about the date of its celebration, raising questions about the party’s awareness and appreciation of this significant national event.
Congress blames NDA for Kargil’ intelligence failure’
On July 27, 2014, Ravinder Sharma, the Chief Spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), attributed the Kargil intrusion to an “intelligence failure” and a “major diplomatic defeat” on the part of the then-NDA government. The Congress asserted that the Pakistani army’s intrusion in 1999 was a direct result of the NDA government’s intelligence shortcomings under A.B. Vajpayee’s leadership. Sharma stated that “it’s because of the failure of the then government that the nation has to pay a heavy price with the lives of many soldiers,” shifting the blame for the conflict’s origin to the previous administration.
The compilation of statements from Indian National Congress leaders across various national security incidents – from the Kargil War to the Pulwama attack and subsequent surgical strikes – reveals a consistent pattern of questioning the veracity of government actions, demanding proof for military operations, and attributing blame for security lapses to the ruling administration.
Following events like the Pulwama and Uri attacks, Congress leaders frequently raised concerns about intelligence failures and accused the government of politicising military responses. Statements from figures like Charanjit Singh Channi, Revanth Reddy, and Sanjay Nirupam repeatedly called for evidence of surgical strikes and airstrikes, while Rahul Gandhi’s “Khoon ki Dalali” remark and questions about beneficiaries of the Pulwama attack ignited significant controversy. Furthermore, the party faced criticism for its perceived lack of formal commemoration of Kargil Vijay Diwas during its UPA tenure and for leaders like Prakash Jaiswal demonstrating unfamiliarity with the war’s details.
Perhaps most contentious were statements regarding the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, where leaders like Digvijay Singh and Vijay Wadettiwar made unsubstantiated claims alleging RSS involvement, diverting blame from Pakistan-backed terrorists. Similarly, the reported emotional reaction of Sonia Gandhi to the Batla House encounter images and P. Chidambaram’s doubts about Afzal Guru’s involvement in the Parliament attack, alongside other Congress leaders regretting Guru’s hanging, were perceived by critics as sympathetic to accused terrorists or undermining judicial processes.
Collectively, these statements highlight a consistent approach by the INC to scrutinise and often challenge the government’s narrative and handling of critical national security and anti-terrorism operations. While framed by some as a necessary opposition role, these remarks have frequently drawn accusations of being anti-national or sympathetic to adversaries, fueling intense political debate over national security matters.
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