As Parliament prepares for the high-stakes Operation Sindoor debate, a major political controversy has erupted over senior Congress leader P Chidambaram’s remarks suggesting that “homegrown terrorists” could be behind the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. His statement, made during an interview with The Quint, has drawn sharp reactions from the ruling BJP, which accuses the Congress of defending Pakistan.
In the interview, Chidambaram questioned the evidence linking the attack to Pakistan, asking, “Have they [NIA] identified the terrorists? Where did they come from? For all we know, they could be homegrown terrorists. Why assume they came from Pakistan? There’s no evidence of that.”
The BJP has lashed out, accusing Congress of repeatedly giving “a clean chit” to Pakistan. The Centre has maintained that the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, were Pakistani nationals.
Chidambaram Questions Transparency Around Operation Sindoor
The former Home Minister didn’t stop there. He also alleged that the government was concealing casualties from Operation Sindoor, India’s counteroffensive following the Pahalgam attack.
“They are hiding the losses. In war, losses are inevitable on both sides. Winston Churchill made it a point to inform the public during World War II. Why can’t our government do the same? They think they can throw a shroud over Operation Sindoor. But it won’t work,” he stated.
He further criticized the government’s silence in Parliament. “Why is the Prime Minister not speaking on Operation Sindoor? Why avoid questions in the temple of democracy?”
Chidambaram on Ceasefire and Trump’s Role
Adding fuel to the fire, Chidambaram also questioned how the ceasefire came into effect after Operation Sindoor. “Let’s be honest—India didn’t announce it. Donald Trump did,” he said, implying a lack of sovereignty in the government’s diplomatic messaging.
BJP Fires Back: ‘Congress Defends Pakistan Again’
The BJP was quick to respond. Senior leader Amit Malviya posted on X, formerly Twitter:
“P Chidambaram, the original proponent of the ‘Saffron Terror’ theory, now questions whether the terrorists came from Pakistan. Once again, the Congress sounds more like Islamabad’s legal team than India’s Opposition.”
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla echoed the sentiment, saying, “From 26/11 to the Surgical Strikes to Pahalgam, Congress ka haath, Pakistan ke saath!”
Congress Leaders React: Backing Chidambaram
Congress MP Imran Masood defended Chidambaram and turned the tables on the ruling party.
“The government gave Pakistan a clean chit by agreeing to a ceasefire. Terrorists are still alive. That’s the real shame. If the Pahalgam attackers are alive, every Indian should be outraged,” he said.
Masood further criticized the government’s actions as equating India with Pakistan on the global diplomatic stage.
Conclusion:
The Operation Sindoor debate has become more than a discussion on military response—it has ignited a broader war of narratives. As both sides trade barbs over transparency, patriotism, and national security, the Indian Parliament is bracing for one of the most intense debates in recent memory. With strong accusations flying from both ends of the political spectrum, the issue underscores deep divisions over how India handles terrorism, foreign policy, and internal dissent.
