The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks alleging the government ignored intelligence warnings ahead of the deadly attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that killed 26 civilians. The BJP accused Kharge of trying to “lower the morale” of the armed forces and playing politics amid national crisis.
Kharge, speaking in Ranchi, pointed to media reports suggesting the government had prior warning of a potential attack by Lashkar-e-Taiba militants but allegedly failed to ensure adequate security for tourists in the region. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kashmir was reportedly cancelled during the same period, implying the government prioritized the PM’s safety over that of civilians.
“They accepted at the all-party meeting that there was an intelligence failure. If that is the case, then they must also take responsibility for the loss of lives,” Kharge said, urging accountability from the government.
In response, BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha said the Congress chief had no proof to support his claims and accused him of politicizing a tragic incident. Sinha denied that the PM’s visit was cancelled due to security concerns, calling it “speculation.”
“Security agencies must succeed 100 per cent of the time, while terrorists need to succeed only once,” Sinha said, noting the government had already acknowledged an intelligence lapse during last month’s all-party meeting. He compared the Pahalgam incident to global tragedies like the 9/11 attacks and the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, saying an element of surprise is always a risk.
“But for Mr Kharge to wake up now, when the government is preparing for unprecedented action, only shows he is not above petty politics,” Sinha added, referring to speculation about a possible military response.
Other BJP leaders also joined the attack. Former Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad accused Kharge of “doublespeak,” saying, “On one hand, he claims to stand with the country, and on the other, he tries to weaken it.”
CR Kesavan, BJP’s Tamil Nadu spokesperson, likened Kharge’s remarks to “treacherous statements,” calling him a “modern-day Mir Jafar.” Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi also condemned Kharge’s criticism of the Prime Minister.
The Congress has not issued a formal response to the BJP’s statements as of now.
