Is Charanjit Channi's Critique of Surgical Strikes Justified?

New Delhi, 3 May (NationPress) The remarks made by Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi have sparked a significant political controversy, as he questioned the authenticity of the 2019 surgical strikes conducted by the Indian military in response to the devastating Pulwama terror attack.

"No one witnessed where the surgical strike took place, how many casualties there were, or the specific location in Pakistan. Nothing occurred. I have consistently called for evidence," Channi stated, casting doubt on the widely acknowledged military operation that followed the death of 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama.

His comments provoked a swift reaction from BJP leaders, who accused Channi and the Congress party of undermining the armed forces and damaging the morale of the nation.

In an interview with IANS, political figures across the spectrum condemned the former Punjab CM for allegedly "disrespecting" the Indian Army and jeopardizing the unity and integrity of the country.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh labeled Channi's statements as an insult to both the Army and the nation, claiming that the Congress was aligning itself with a narrative favorable to Pakistan.

"This statement undermines the unity, integrity, and divine essence of our country," Chugh remarked.

Rajasthan Minister Jogaram Patel criticized Channi for demanding "proof of universally accepted facts," accusing the Congress of supporting reprehensible activities.

Former Jammu Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta stated, "In times of crisis, the rhetoric of Pakistan and Congress aligns. This is no surprise from them."

BJP spokesperson RP Singh asserted that Channi's comments not only reflected his views but also hinted at discussions within the Congress Working Committee.

"Kharge and Rahul Gandhi need to clarify whether the Congress Working Committee resembles a gathering in Pakistan," he added.

BJP leaders Syed Shahnawaz Hussain and Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Singh also criticized the Congress, accusing it of continually undermining the Army and national morale.

Shiv Sena's Krishna Hegde remarked, "During this critical juncture, Congress is mimicking Pakistan's position. The public will not forgive them."

JD-U spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan described Channi's remarks as evidence of "intellectual bankruptcy" and noted his history of making controversial statements. His colleague Neeraj Kumar suggested that the populace had already executed a "political surgical strike" against Congress in both 2019 and 2024.

Delhi Assembly Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht harshly criticized Channi, saying, "He has completely lost his senses… If he had lost someone in his family due to such attacks, he might comprehend the pain."

Conversely, Congress leaders distanced themselves from Channi's comments.

Senior leader Harish Rawat stated, "This is not the moment to revisit past issues. Our leadership is steadfast in supporting national unity and any action against terrorism."

He admitted that "sometimes, past realities unintentionally emerge," but reaffirmed that the party officially backs decisive action against terrorism and Pakistan.

Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury mentioned that Channi expressed a personal viewpoint, saying, "As a former Chief Minister, he should have known better. However, the ongoing situation in Kashmir, where 26 Hindu tourists were killed, indicates that the Kashmir issue remains unresolved. There was a lack of police presence and intelligence."

Channi's contentious remarks came shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of over two dozen Hindu tourists, allegedly at the hands of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba's offshoot, The Resistance Front.