Bhupesh Baghel criticises the government over foreign policy, security lapses, and alleged political exploitation of the terror attack
New Delhi, May 12 — The Congress party on Monday demanded that the central government provide clear answers on the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives on April 22, questioning whether the perpetrators have been arrested or killed and who is accountable for the apparent security lapses.Addressing the media at the AICC headquarters, Congress general secretary Bhupesh Baghel sharply criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government for its handling of the crisis. He accused the ruling party of politicising the tragedy on social media and raised concerns over foreign policy shifts, particularly the involvement of foreign powers in bilateral matters between India and Pakistan.
Congress questions foreign policy and US intervention
Baghel questioned whether India had altered its long-standing foreign policy to allow third-party mediation, pointing to US President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor."Is this not a diplomatic failure?" Baghel asked, expressing dismay at what he termed a lack of resistance from the Indian government to external pressure. He alleged that the government was “playing with the emotions of people” by yielding to American influence without rebuttal.
Demands for accountability and leadership
The former Chhattisgarh chief minister criticised the government's leadership during the crisis, demanding to know why no special session of Parliament or all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been called. Baghel said that if Modi continues to avoid attending such meetings, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would also cease to attend them.Baghel referenced the 1971 war under then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as a moment when India stood firm against global pressure. “In 1971, Indiraji rejected pressure from America and defeated Pakistan. Even today, we take the same pledge. This is a fight against terrorism, not a political one,” he said.
Congress suspends political rallies in solidarity
To express solidarity and national unity, Baghel announced that the Congress had cancelled its scheduled political rallies and 'Save Constitution' campaigns, replacing them with 'Jai Hind yatras' aimed at uniting people against terrorism.Demand home minister's accountability
Baghel further demanded clarity on who was responsible for the admitted security lapses in Pahalgam, asking if the Union Home Minister would resign over the failure. “The government should tell the country if the terrorists involved have been eliminated or apprehended,” he said.He reiterated the party’s call for a special session of Parliament to address the national security concerns raised by the attack and its aftermath, stating that the public feels “cheated and insulted” by the government's current approach.
The Congress leader’s remarks reflect the party's growing pressure on the government to act decisively, both on the domestic front and in safeguarding India’s diplomatic stance on sensitive cross-border issues.
