Sanjay Nirupam, a Congress leader in Maharashtra, has questioned the authenticity of surgical strikes by the Indian Army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In a shocking statement today, he claimed the BJP faked the surgical strikes for electoral gains. “Every Indian wants #SurgicalStrikesAgainstPak but not a fake one to extract just political benefit by #BJP,” Nirupam tweeted.

In another tweet, he had said: “India expect a real #SurgicalStrikesAgainstPak so that Pakies must cry. Not like last one which they refuse to even admit.#BaramulaAttack.”

Not only Nirupam, other Congress leaders like P Chidambaram and Digvijay Singh had also not expressed their full support to the Modi government’s efforts at containing terrorism emanating from Pakistani territory. Chidambaram was quoted as saying by News 18: “UPA did PoK strikes too, but it is up to the present government to give proof of the surgical strikes,” He added: “The much-hyped surgical strike on last Wednesday night was not the only time that Army had crossed the LoC to take punitive action.”

Chidambaram’s remarks were not well received by people.

Digvijay Singh on Monday had attacked PM Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, calling the, “war mongers”. Though Singh didn’t raise doubts over the authenticity of the surgical strikes, he attacked the PM for showing off what was always done “secretly” by the UPA government.

The statements by Nirupam, Chidambaram and Singh point out there is a lack of a single line of thought in the Congress. It may also be possible to that it is part of the Congress’ strategy to keep attacking the Central government, for all things possible, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.

ALSO READ: Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam calls Indian Army’s surgical strikes across LoC ‘fake’

Incidentally, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi had lauded the Indian Army and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their “decisive action” to conduct the surgical strikes.

“The Congress Party and I salute the Indian Army and our jawans for acting valiantly to defend our country & our people. Jai Hind. All of us stand firmly united against terrorism & those who support & sponsor it,” Rahul had tweeted.

In a series of tweets praising the PM, Rahul had said: The Congress party and the entire country is with the Prime Minister on this (surgical strikes). I want to thank him that he has taken some action in 2.5 years which is worthy of being taken by a PM. When the PM acts like a PM, I support him.”

On Tuesday, Twitterati were not amused  with the “double speak” of Congress leaders. Here are how some of them reacted.

Will Congress now issue an apology or continue with the politics?