Congress in damage control after Charanjit Channi’s remarks on surgical strike spark row

As India is weighing on its counter-terrorism measures after the deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi stirred up a political storm with his remarks on the surgical strikes carried out by Indian forces across Pakistan border in 2019.

 

The military operation was conducted in response to the terrorist attack in Pulwama in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

 

Channi, a senior Congress leader, raised doubts on the surgical strikes and demanded that the government provide proof.

 

"No one saw where the surgical strike happened and how many were killed, or where in Pakistan it occurred. Nothing had happened. I have always demanded proof," he said.

 

Channi’s remarks drew sharp reaction from the BJP which accused the former CM and the Congress party of undermining the armed forces and demoralising the nation.

 

BJP general secretary Tarun Chugh said Channi's comments were an insult to the Army and the entire nation, and accused the Congress of aligning with Pakistan's narrative.

 

"This statement disrespects the unity, integrity, and divine power of the country," Chugh was quoted as saying by IANS.

 

Several other leaders, including Rajasthan Minister Jogaram Patel and Former Jammu Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta, also condemned Channi’s remarks, saying the language of Congress and Pakistan has become identical.

 

As the controversy raged, the Congress distanced itself from Channi’s remarks, saying they were his personal views.

 

"He was the Chief Minister, he must have known something. But today, what's happening in Kashmir, where 26 Hindu tourists were killed, shows that the Kashmir issue remains unresolved. There was no police presence, no intelligence,” said Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury.

 

Senior leader Harish Rawat said the Congress leadership stands firm in support of national unity and any action against terrorism."

India