Anurag Thakur Slams Congress Over Pakistan and Terror Allegations

In a fiery session of Parliament, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Anurag Thakur unleashed a sharp critique against the Congress party, accusing it of a historical pattern of surrendering to Pakistan and terrorists. The accusations, primarily stemming from discussions around the recent ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the Pahalgam terror attack, have ignited a significant political controversy, drawing clear battle lines between the ruling and opposition benches.

During his address, Anurag Thakur made a series of pointed remarks, suggesting that the Congress’s stance on critical national security matters often aligns more with Pakistan’s narrative than with India’s interests. This bold declaration has become a central point of contention, leading to widespread debate and strong reactions across the political spectrum.

Key Allegations as Anurag Thakur Slams Congress:

• Accusations of Pro-Pakistan Leanings:
  • Thakur asserted that whenever issues concerning Pakistan and terrorism arise, the Congress party appears to advocate for Pakistan’s position more vigorously than Pakistan itself. He questioned the underlying compulsion for such a stance, especially from a party that has previously held significant government positions.
  • He famously coined the term “Rahul-occupied Congress,” implying that the party’s current leadership influences a pro-Pakistan bias.
• Questioning ‘Operation Sindoor’ and Pahalgam Attack:
  • The core of the recent parliamentary debate revolved around the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed, and India’s retaliatory ‘Operation Sindoor’.
  • Anurag Thakur criticised Congress leaders, particularly P. Chidambaram, for questioning the origin of the Pahalgam terrorists and suggesting they could be “homegrown” without conclusive proof. Thakur highlighted this as an attempt to absolve Pakistan.
  • He also pointed out the opposition’s alleged silence regarding the brutal details of the Pahalgam attack, including terrorists asking victims about their religion before killing them.
• Lack of Support for Armed Forces:
  • Thakur expressed dismay at the opposition’s apparent lack of applause or support when the Defence Minister elaborated on the Indian Army’s achievements during ‘Operation Sindoor’. He viewed this as a failure to uphold national sentiments and a disregard for the sacrifices of the armed forces.
  • He further alleged that the Congress has, in the past, attacked the military through derogatory remarks and cartoons, citing instances where Army chiefs were allegedly disrespected.
• The ‘New Normal’ in Counter-Terrorism:
  • Anurag Thakur highlighted a significant shift in India’s approach to cross-border terrorism under the current government, coining it as a “new normal.”
  • He claimed that India’s precision strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ destroyed approximately 20% of Pakistan’s air force and eliminated over 100 terrorists in 25 minutes across nine terror camps.
  • Thakur underscored that India no longer waits for international approval to act against terror, asserting a policy of decisive and independent retaliation.

Congress’s Counter-Arguments and Defence:

• Congress leaders, including P. Chidambaram and Gaurav Gogoi, have strongly refuted the BJP’s allegations.
• Chidambaram clarified that his remarks about “homegrown terrorists” were taken out of context and were part of a larger statement questioning the government’s transparency on the Pahalgam investigation.
• Gaurav Gogoi, another prominent Congress MP, questioned why ‘Operation Sindoor’ was halted if Pakistan was indeed “on its knees,” hinting at external influence. He also raised concerns about internal security lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack.
• The Congress has consistently affirmed its stand against Pakistan’s export of terrorism and expressed support for India’s armed forces. They accuse the BJP of using these debates as a diversionary tactic to mask the government’s failures on various fronts.

The Intensifying Political Discourse:

The accusations made by Anurag Thakur against Congress underline the increasingly polarized political narrative dominating Parliament’s Monsoon Session. The debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ has become a proxy battleground for broader ideological differences on national security, foreign policy, and the role of the opposition. As the political temperature rises, the public watches closely to discern the facts amidst the strong rhetoric.

This ongoing exchange highlights the deep chasm between India’s major political parties on how to best tackle cross-border terrorism and protect national interests, leaving citizens to ponder the implications of such strong accusations for the country’s unity and strategic direction. The continuous engagement on these critical issues remains vital for a robust democracy, even as it stirs passionate debate.