Did Chidambaram's Comments on 26/11 Provide the BJP with Political Leverage in Bihar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rashid Alvi highlights the political ramifications of Chidambaram's remarks.
- PM Modi leverages the situation to criticize the Congress in light of the Bihar elections.
- The discussion centers around the handling of 26/11 and national security.
- Political discourse often reflects broader electoral strategies.
- Chidambaram's statement raises questions about past governmental actions.
New Delhi, Oct 8 (NationPress) Senior Congress figure Rashid Alvi responded on Wednesday to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attacks on the Congress regarding its management of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. He stated that former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s previous comments had inadvertently handed the BJP a political tool to utilize as the Bihar elections approach.
“This was an opportunity created by Chidambaram himself for the Prime Minister. I previously noted that his statement would present the BJP with a political issue, especially with the Bihar elections nearing,” Alvi expressed to IANS.
Reflecting on Chidambaram’s prior statements, he pointed out, “A few months ago, when a television channel posed a similar question to Chidambaram, he responded that it was the government’s modus operandi. I’m puzzled as to why he has now altered his stance with the Bihar elections looming. Only Chidambaram himself can explain this.”
Alvi continued, “When the former Home Minister asserts that the US and other nations influenced India against retaliating after 26/11, it’s evident this will be turned into a political issue. The BJP and the Prime Minister consistently seek such opportunities. Previously, Chidambaram provided a reasonable explanation, attributing it to a collective governmental decision. Now, neither Pranab Mukherjee nor Manmohan Singh are alive — Chidambaram is the only one who can clarify his recent comments.”
Earlier today, while inaugurating various projects including the first phase of the Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Aqua Line of the Mumbai Metro, PM Modi accused the Congress of undermining India’s battle against terrorism.
“A Congress leader, who served as Home Minister, has stated that a foreign nation halted India’s military response post-26/11 attacks. The Congress must clarify who obstructed our retaliation,” PM Modi stated, adding that the UPA government (2004-2014) had “weakened the war on terror, for which the nation has paid dearly.”