Pralhad Joshi accuses Congress of shielding Pak
Hubballi, June 2 (UNI) Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing the grand old party of shielding Pakistan during its tenure and lacking the courage to act decisively against terrorism.
Reacting to Kharge's recent remarks, Joshi said the Narendra Modi government had taken firm action against those promoting terrorism in India.
"We have done what needed to be done. We have taken action against those trying to promote terrorism in India. We have taught them a lesson, not just once, but repeatedly," he told reporters here.
In a direct comparison with the Congress era, the Minister said, "What did you do during your time? The entire world knows. You used to weep before the UN and America. In contrast, India struck back, and global leaders appreciated our actions. We have the courage to speak out against Pakistan."
He alleged that the Congress government, even during more severe terror attacks, sought to protect Pakistan rather than stand with the victims.
"You pointed fingers at the victims, claimed there was no terrorism, and tried to give a clean chit to Pakistan," Joshi charged.
Referring to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Joshi said the Indian military was ready, but the then Congress-led UPA government "did not have the guts to act".
"Today they talk big. The truth is that for Congress, appeasement has always come first. They stood with fundamentalist Islamic forces," he said.
Further questioning the Congress on territorial issues, Joshi asked, "Who gave away Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to Pakistan? Who allowed China to enter and occupy parts of it?"
He dismissed Rahul Gandhi's recent statements on Chinese incursions, claiming the relevant events occurred in 1960, 1962, 1965, and even in 2013. "Let me state with humility and confidence, not even a single inch of land was handed over under our government," he said.
Holding Article 370 responsible for the genesis of the PoK issue, Joshi criticised Congress for not addressing it during its decade-long rule. "Why didn't you debate it then? What did you do when 26/11 happened?" he asked.
Terming Rahul Gandhi's questions as "silly", Joshi advised the opposition to refrain from making such statements and called for a more constructive approach to current issues.
"BJP, Congress and others are all part of the protest. The government should not be seen as adamant. All stakeholders should sit, talk, and resolve the matter," he added.
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