Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party during the inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport on Wednesday, accusing the then Congress-led government of displaying weakness by not retaliating against Pakistan following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Leveraging recent remarks by former Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, Modi criticized the decision to exercise restraint under international pressure, claiming it emboldened terrorists and compromised India’s security.
In a recent interview, Chidambaram, who assumed the role of Home Minister after the 26/11 attacks, revealed that he had favored military retaliation against Pakistan but was overruled due to global calls for restraint, including from then-US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who visited New Delhi to urge India against military action. Without directly naming Chidambaram, Modi referenced these statements, asserting that the Congress-led government’s decision sent a message of weakness, failing to protect the nation’s interests.
“Mumbai, India’s economic capital, was targeted in 2008, yet the Congress-led government knelt before terrorism under international pressure,” Modi said. “A senior Congress leader, who served as Home Minister, recently admitted that our armed forces were ready to strike Pakistan, and the nation demanded action. But the government halted them due to external influence. Congress must answer who made this decision.”
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Modi emphasized that the Congress’ inaction weakened India’s security, costing lives and encouraging further terrorist activities. In contrast, he highlighted his government’s proactive stance, stating, “Today’s India prioritizes the security of its people and delivers a fitting response, striking terrorists on their own turf.” He cited Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which targeted terror infrastructure, including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur, as evidence of India’s resolute approach under his leadership.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscore a broader narrative of contrasting his government’s security policies with those of the Congress, positioning his administration as uncompromising in the face of terrorism. As India continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, Modi’s statements reflect a commitment to projecting strength and sovereignty on the global stage.
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