Congress and RJD Leaders Denounce Attack on IAF Convoy as “Political Stunt,” Sparking Controversy

Two leaders of the Opposition, former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Rashtriya Janata Dal’s Tej Pratap Yadav, have drawn a parallel between the Pulwama attack of 2019 and the recent attack. They alleged that the recent attack was also a “stunt” to help the BJP win. These comments have provided the BJP with ammunition to attack the Congress. Union Minister Anurag Thakur enumerated instances where the Congress allegedly let down the armed forces and dismissed the attacks as “stunts” meant to benefit the BJP.

Tej Pratap Yadav, in Patna, echoed similar sentiments, blaming the occurrence of terrorist attacks during elections and pointed fingers at Prime Minister Modi. Union minister Anurag Thakur criticized the Opposition’s stance and accused them of not strengthening the army. Sunil Jakhar, a Punjab leader who recently joined the BJP, also criticized Mr. Channi’s statement on social media. The Pulwama attack, which took place in the lead-up to the general election, made national security a key campaign issue.

India’s retaliatory aerial strikes at Balakot further intensified the focus on security. Following the BJP’s victory, the Opposition questioned the government’s actions and called for transparency. Over time, the Congress has softened its tone, mindful of the BJP’s accusations that it was casting doubt on the armed forces. The recent terror attack resulted in the death of Corporal Vikky Pahade of the Indian Air Force and injury to four other soldiers.