Chidambaram reveals US pressured India to avoid military action after 26/11 attacks

Chidambaram’s statement has raised the political temperature. The BJP has accused the Congress of bargaining with Pakistan and said that the Congress prioritized political interests over national security.

New Delhi: After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the UPA government decided to avoid military action against Pakistan. This revelation was made by former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram. He stated that India refrained from taking war-like measures due to international pressure, particularly the advice of the US and the Ministry of External Affairs. Following this revelation, the BJP has targeted the Congress and questioned whether the Congress intended to strike a deal with Pakistan.

Chidambaram's Statement

P. Chidambaram said in a TV interview, "The whole world came to Delhi to tell us not to start a war. The then US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, came to Delhi a few days after the attacks and met with the Prime Minister and me. She also told us not to react." Chidambaram stated that he had considered taking revenge, but the decision rested with the government. After discussions with the Prime Minister and other senior officials, it was decided not to take war-like action.

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BJP Took A Dig At Congress

Union Minister Prahlad Joshi said that the former Home Minister has admitted that the Mumbai attacks were mishandled before the country. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said that Chidambaram himself admitted that action should have been taken against Pakistan, but the then Congress leadership did not allow it. This raises questions about the Congress's inclination to deal with Pakistan.

Shahzad Poonawala's Allegation

BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala alleged that Chidambaram was in favor of military action, but "others took over." He questioned whether Sonia Gandhi or Manmohan Singh prevented this decision. Poonawala also said that the Congress gave Pakistan a clean chit in the 26/11 and 2007 bombings and created a narrative of "Hindu terror." He also accused the UPA of granting Pakistan "Most Favored Nation" status and repeatedly questioning military action.

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Political Battle Continues

Chidambaram's statement has raised the political temperature. The BJP has accused the Congress of bargaining with Pakistan and said that the Congress prioritized political interests over national security. While the Congress has not yet issued an official response, the political atmosphere is heated.

This political debate following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks could have a major impact on the country's security policies and foreign policy. More rhetoric on this issue is likely in the coming days.