Is the Centre to Blame for the Pahalgam Attack Fatalities?
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Synopsis
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized the Centre for its role in the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, highlighting serious lapses in intelligence and security. He calls for accountability from the government and emphasizes the need for unity against terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- Kharge holds the Centre accountable for the Pahalgam attack.
- Intelligence failures were acknowledged by the government.
- Congress supports actions against terrorism.
- Calls for a caste-based census have been made.
- Press freedom and dissent are under threat.
Ranchi, May 6 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has placed blame on the Centre for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), which resulted in the loss of 26 lives, citing a significant lapse in Intelligence and security. Speaking at the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Rally’ held by Congress at the old assembly ground in Ranchi on Tuesday, Kharge pointed out that the central government had acknowledged an Intelligence failure during an all-party meeting. “If they have accepted their mistake, they should also take responsibility for the lives lost in the attack,” he stated.
Kharge referenced media reports suggesting that the government had received Intelligence warnings about a potential terrorist strike in Kashmir three days prior to the incident.
“They cancelled their own visit, yet failed to ensure adequate security measures for tourists. The area should have been secured with police and Border Security Force deployment,” he insisted.
He emphasized that the Congress party fully supports any government actions taken against terrorism.
“We will support the government if it takes decisive actions against Pakistan. The nation comes first; religion and caste are secondary,” he declared.
Kharge further claimed that the Centre’s decision to conduct a caste-based census stemmed from pressure exerted by the Congress.
“Rahul Gandhi raised this issue at a national level. Initially, the BJP opposed us, accusing us of causing societal division, but they have now conceded to our demand. The caste column has been added to the census,” he noted.
He mentioned that Congress has sent a letter to Prime Minister Modi outlining three essential demands: a meeting with all parties to reach a consensus on the caste census model to be initiated promptly; reservation for the poor, Dalits, tribals, and Backward Classes in private institutions under Article 15(5) of the Constitution; and the removal of the 50% cap on reservations.
Kharge also criticized the Enforcement Directorate for its actions in the National Herald case.
“Nehru ji established National Herald, Qaumi Awaz, and Navjivan to amplify the voice of the people during the fight for Independence. When Sonia Gandhi took steps for their revival, the ED initiated a case against her. Out of 200 cases filed by the ED nationwide, only 2% have resulted in convictions,” he asserted.
He pointed out that BJP-RSS leaders did not partake in the freedom struggle. “None of them faced imprisonment or made sacrifices, yet they now lecture us on patriotism,” he remarked.
Kharge accused the Centre of stifling press freedom and targeting dissenters. “Truth-tellers are being incarcerated. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren was also unjustly imprisoned. They cannot accept a tribal in such a position,” he claimed.
He charged that the BJP government is undermining the Constitution. “We must combat the erosion of rights granted to the poor, Dalits, tribals, and women. Babasaheb Ambedkar bestowed upon us equal rights—if we fail to defend his Constitution, we risk re-enslavement. The affluent desire to crush the poor,” he warned.
Kharge announced that as part of Congress' 'Save Constitution' campaign, rallies, meetings, and programs will be organized across all states, districts, and blocks over the next 45 days. “Congress workers must unite and spearhead this movement,” he urged.
The rally also featured speeches from senior leaders, including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Jharkhand Congress incharge K. Raju, and state Congress President Keshav Mahato Kamlesh.
Point of View
The Congress party is taking a firm stance against the Centre's accountability in the Pahalgam attack. It's crucial to address the lapses in security that led to such a tragedy while also supporting the need for unity against terrorism across party lines.
NationPress
06/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Pahalgam?
A terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the loss of 26 lives, which Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge attributes to a failure in security and intelligence.
What is Kharge's stance on the Centre's responsibility?
Kharge has explicitly stated that the Centre is responsible for the attack due to lapses in intelligence and security measures.
What actions does Kharge support against terrorism?
Kharge has expressed support for strong actions against terrorism, particularly against Pakistan, emphasizing that national unity is paramount.
What demands did Congress make to Prime Minister Modi?
Congress has outlined demands including a consensus meeting on the caste census, reservations for marginalized communities, and the removal of the reservation cap.
What is the 'Save Constitution' campaign?
The 'Save Constitution' campaign by Congress aims to mobilize support across states to protect the rights of the underprivileged and uphold the Constitution.
