A 16-hour discussion is scheduled in the Lok Sabha today on the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor. Former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has ignited a political firestorm with a recent statement questioning Pakistan’s alleged involvement in the Pahalgam attack.
Chidambaram Questions Pakistan’s Involvement
In a candid interview, Chidambaram challenged the official narrative linking the terrorists to Pakistan. He questioned whether the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had definitively identified the attackers or verified their origin. He said that there was no hard evidence proving they came from Pakistan, leaving open the possibility they could have been domestic terrorists.
BJP Accuses Congress of Giving Pakistan a “Clean Chit”
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) promptly condemned Chidambaram’s remarks, accusing Congress of providing a “clean chit” to Pakistan. BJP leaders slammed him for allegedly defending Islamabad and undermining national security.
Chidambaram Seeks Answers on Investigation Process
Chidambaram, who served as Home Minister under the UPA government, directly questioned NIA’s investigation. He asked whether the agency has confirmed the terrorists’ identities and origin. He argued that assumptions linking them to Pakistan should not be accepted without proof.
Background to the Pahalgam Attack
The attack occurred on 22 April 2025 in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, targeting a group of tourists and killing 26 people, mostly Hindus. While The Resistance Front (TRF) initially claimed responsibility, it later withdrew the claim. Indian investigative agencies, including NIA, linked the attack to Pakistan’s ISI and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), identifying the terrorists as Pakistani nationals.
Political Fallout: BJP’s Strong Reaction
Senior BJP leaders, including IT cell head Amit Malviya, accused Chidambaram of returning to discredited theories. Malviya argued that Congress leaders often appear more sympathetic to Pakistan than to India’s security forces. BJP spokespersons also alleged that Chidambaram tries to obscure facts and defend terror suspects.
Chidambaram Responds to Criticism
In response, Chidambaram accused the BJP of misrepresenting his interview. He explained that excerpts were selectively edited to distort his words. He called out such trolling as damaging misreporting and argued that full context is necessary to convey accurate intent.
What Will the Lok Sabha Debate Cover?
The upcoming debate is expected to cover the Pahalgam terror attack itself and Operation Sindoor, the security response initiated afterward. Lawmakers will discuss the broader implications of the attack, Pakistan-linked terror claims, and India’s counterterror operations.
Significance of Chidambaram’s Commentary
Chidambaram’s remarks stand out because of his past tenure as Home Minister and his reputation in national security affairs. His expressed doubts have escalated political tensions ahead of Parliament’s discussion. This situation also raises questions about the transparency and thoroughness of ongoing investigations.
Potential Implications
The debate could influence public sentiment and parliamentary consensus on national security. BJP is likely to press Congress on consistency in supporting security narratives. On the other hand, Congress may rally around demands for clearer disclosures from investigative agencies.
As the Lok Sabha prepares for a marathon session on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, Chidambaram’s comments have intensified the political spotlight. The proceedings will likely shape perceptions of terrorism policy and accountability expectations from security agencies.
