New Delhi [India]: A fresh political row has erupted after Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi reignited controversy by demanding proof of surgical strikes carried out by Indian armed forces in Pakistan during the BJP’s tenure at the Centre.
“Till date, I could not find where the strike took place… They say they did a surgical strike in Pakistan. Nothing had happened. Nowhere was a surgical strike seen,” Channi said at a press conference, reiterating his longstanding doubts.
Channi’s comments come at a time when the nation is mourning the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. While demanding action against the perpetrators, Channi also called for clarity on India’s past military operations.
Reacting sharply, BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused the Congress of demoralising the armed forces and aligning with adversarial narratives.
“Congress has become the Pakistan Prast Party (PPP)… While the whole country stands behind the army, Congress is hurting their morale,” said Poonawalla in a video statement. He also linked Channi’s remarks to past instances where Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders sought similar proof, alleging a pattern of undermining the military.
Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also condemned Channi’s remarks, calling them a reflection of the “dirty mentality of the Gandhi family.”
“Pakistan itself admitted the damage from India’s surgical strikes. Yet, Congress keeps questioning our forces. This politics of demoralisation must stop,” Sirsa stated.
The BJP’s attack follows Congress’s recent CWC statement that condemned the Pahalgam attack and demanded stringent action against those responsible. Channi had also urged the government to ensure rehabilitation for the victims’ families.
The controversy has reignited the national debate on transparency vs security confidentiality in military operations and is likely to become a key flashpoint in ongoing political discourse.