Channi draws fire over surgical strike remarks, clarifies stand amid backlashChanni clarifies support for government after remarks on surgical strikes spark controversy.
Chandigarh: Former Punjab chief minister
Charanjit Singh Channi
has ignited political controversy by appearing to question the authenticity of India's 2019
surgical strikes
following the Pulwama terror attack, prompting swift criticism from the
BJP
and a subsequent clarification from the senior Congress member.
Speaking to reporters after a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Channi criticised the Narendra Modi-led central govt's response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where he said little had been done even 10 days after the incident. He dismissed "symbolic" steps — such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals — as "lacking real substance."
Channi said: "The entire country is watching and waiting to see what concrete action will be taken against Pakistan." Referring to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, Channi said the govt's claim of retaliatory surgical strikes lacked transparency. "They said they dropped bombs, but where? What targets? Who was hit? Nothing was seen or verified," he said. When asked if he was calling for proof, Channi responded, "I have always demanded that."
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to seize upon his comments, with several senior members accusing Channi of questioning the Indian military's integrity and undermining
national security
for political gain. In a later statement, Channi attempted damage control, saying his remarks had been misinterpreted. "The Congress party stands firmly with the govt in this time of national grief. We support any action it chooses — whether cutting off Pakistan's water, restricting air access, or otherwise," he said. "We are not demanding proof. Our focus is justice for the victims and the nation."
The remarks have rekindled an ongoing political fault line over the handling and politicisation of national security incidents, in particular during election cycles.
MSID:: 120850477 413 |
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Gazette
37 minutes ago
- India Gazette
BJP opposed earlier caste census report citing data inconsistency, why is it opposing a re-survey now: K'taka Dy CM
New Delhi [India], June 12 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday questioned the BJP's intention in questioning the state government's decision to re-conduct the caste census. 'The BJP was opposed to the earlier caste census, citing data sanctity issues. We have announced a redo of the census, but the BJP is still opposing this too,' he said, while speaking to reporters here. Asked about BJP criticising the decision to reconduct the caste census, he said, 'The BJP did not accept the earlier caste census report, why the opposition now when we are trying to address the concerns? We are not rejecting the earlier census, we are only trying to correct the shortcomings of the earlier survey in order to allay concerns of several communities.' Asked if the survey would be conducted in a scientific manner this time, he said, 'The modalities would be discussed in the Cabinet meeting. Several communities, including Lambanis, Jains, Bestha communities had met me and raised concerns on the earlier survey. The previous survey was also done scientifically through door-to-door visits, but some of the people were hesitant to share their caste details. Our national leaders have given us certain guidelines. The AICC President too has given us many suggestions. The CM will discuss this in the Cabinet meeting and make a decision.' To a question of whether the government gave in to the pressure from powerful communities, he said, 'We have yielded to the pressures from all communities. We have yielded to the pressure from the media too.' When pointed out that the Veerashaiva community has welcomed the government's decision to redo the caste census, he said, 'Seers from Veerashaiva and Vokkaliga communities called me up and welcomed the decision. I appeal to all the seers to nudge their community members to participate in the survey and provide correct details.' Asked if it was D K Shivakumar's victory in convincing the High Command for a resurvey, he said there was no winner or loser in this matter. When questioned if there was a need for the state to reconduct the caste census when the Centre has announced a caste census along with the general census, he said, 'This is our Party's agenda, the BJP has copied it. Rahul Gandhi has always been advocating proportionate representation for the backwards classes.' Replying to a question on ED raids on Congress MLAs and MPs in the alleged Valmiki Corporation corruption case, he said, 'There is no link between our MLAs and Valmiki Corporation scam. Our leaders have not used the money in any election. As much as 90% of the money misused by the officials has been recovered.' (ANI)
India Gazette
37 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Enemies of Telangana: Revanth Reddy hits out at KCR family amid chaos over Kaleshwaram project
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 12 (ANI): Amid ruckus over the alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched a scathing attack against the family of former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, accusing them of being the 'true enemies' of the state. The CM said that he would present detailed facts and documents related to the Kaleshwaram Project within two days. He also ruled out the possibility of anyone from the KCR family being inducted into the Congress. 'As long as I am in power, there will be no entry for KCR's family into Congress,' Reddy said. He further accused Union Minister G Kishan Reddy of obstructing Telangana's development, calling him 'the biggest hurdle to the state's progress.' 'Kishan Reddy is the biggest hurdle to Telangana's progress,' Reddy said. Speaking about BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha's letter to her father, KCR, the Telangana CM labelled it a 'film-style drama' for attention. Earlier, Kavitha took potshots at the leaders of her party. Without naming anyone, she said that when her father, KCR, received notices in relation to the Kaleshwaram probe, no plan of action was set up. 'When KCR is given notices, there is no action plan. Instead of teaching me, tell me what is your action plan. Twitter tweets are not enough. Shouldn't we be on the ground?' Kavitha said, adding, 'During the Delhi liquor policy, when I went to KCR and wanted to resign, he said that they can't face me, and that's why the case has been filed against you.' The BRS MLC further criticised people in her party, labelling them 'converts.' 'Is it okay to say there are converts? Coverts should be controlled, and KCR should be protected,' Kavitha said, adding, 'If BRS is weak, BJP and Congress will become strong.' Meanwhile, KCR on Wednesday appeared before the PC Ghosh Commission in connection with alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram project. Heavy police deployment was witnessed at Hyderabad's BRK Bhavan ahead of his appearance. Previously, BRS MLA and former Irrigation Minister Harish Rao and BJP MP Etela Rajender, who previously served as Finance Minister in the BRS government, appeared before the commission. Justice PC Ghose Commission on Tuesday issued summons to former Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), former Minister Harish Rao, and BJP MP Etela Rajender, who also served as a minister during the BRS regime, in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP). The Commission, which has been probing financial and procedural lapses in the multi-crore irrigation project, directed the three political leaders to appear for questioning in the first week of June. (ANI)
Indian Express
39 minutes ago
- Indian Express
In Bhopal, a bridge with 90-degree turn draws criticism, minister says will look into it
A railway overbridge near Aishbagh Stadium in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has run into controversy just as it nears completion – not for delays or cost overruns, but for what some critics say is a fundamental design flaw that could make it unsafe for motorists. Concerns have been raised around the bridge's sharp, almost 90-degree turn, which vehicles must negotiate soon after ascending. With the Congress taking to social media to take a jab at the design, the state PWD Minister Rakesh Singh promised to look into the issue. 'Whenever a bridge is made, a lot of technical considerations are taken into account. So if there are such allegations, we will look into it,' he said, while dismissing the Congress party's concerns as baseless and politically motivated. Constructed at Rs 18 crore, the 648-metre-long, 8.5-metre-wide overbridge is intended to link the congested areas of Mahamai Ka Bagh, Pushpa Nagar, and the railway station zone with New Bhopal. Conceived as a relief project, it promised to eliminate long wait times at railway crossings and spare residents a circuitous detour that many have endured for over a decade. Government estimates suggested that the bridge would benefit around three lakh commuters daily. The bridge, whose construction began in March 2023, has also faced delays. Initially set for completion in 18 months, it is only now approaching readiness after more than 36 months, delayed by factors such as the shifting of electrical lines and coordination issues between the Public Works Department and the Railways. Public Works Department (Bridge Department) Chief Engineer V D Verma told PTI, 'Due to the Metro station, there is limited availability of land at the point. Due to the lack of land, there was no other option. The purpose of the RoB is to connect the two colonies.' Only light vehicles will run on this overbridge, he said, adding that heavy vehicles will not be allowed. — With PTI inputs
