Former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi’s remarks questioning the authenticity of surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army in Pakistan have sparked sharp political backlash. The BJP has blamed the Congress for demoralising the armed forces and aligning its statement with Pakistan’s narrative.
Channi questions surgical strike’s authenticity
While speaking at a press conference, Channi raised doubts about the strikes, questioning the lack of visible proof. ”Till date, I could not find where the (surgical) strike took place, where men were killed at that time, and where this happened in Pakistan…Nowhere was a surgical strike seen. Nobody came to know..I have always demanded (proof),” he stated. While criticising the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, he mentioned that ”people’s wounds need to be tended to,” urging the government to take action and punish those who are involved.
He also appealed for support to the families of those affected by the Pahalgam tragedy and called for swift government action against the perpetrators.
BJP Minister slams Congress
In return, BJP National spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala branded Congress as ”Pakistan Prast Part (PPP).” He blamed the party for repeatedly undermining the armed forces. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says no action should be taken against Pakistan…Again, they are trying to demoralise the armed forces,” he said in a video message. ”Earlier, Rahul Gandhi demanded proof of surgical strikes…Robert Vadra gave a clean chit. They always sing in sync with Pakistan, ”he added.
Echoing a similar opinion, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated that Channi’s comments revealed the ”dirty mentality of the Gandhi family.” He mentioned, ”Pakistan itself admits the damage done by India strikes, and yet Congress leaders question our own forces. This is disgraceful and demoralising.”
Despite the controversy, Congress, in its recent CWC meeting, restated its stand against terrorism and demanded action in the wake of the Pahalgam attack.
(With inputs from PTI)