"PM Calls Off Visit Prior to J&K Incident: Kharge's Allegation, BJP Counterparts React"

Vibrant New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party fiercely rebuffs Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's allegations that the government shirked intelligence on a potential terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, three days before 26 lives were taken in the heart-wrenching Pahalgam incident.

Mr Kharge laid the blame on the government, asserting that they had callously adjusted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kashmir days prior, but neglected to enforce security for tourists.

He pointed out the parliamentary admission of an intelligence shortcoming last month. "If they acknowledged that... they should shoulder the responsibility for the loss of innocent lives," he ardently declared in Ranchi.

Mr Kharge cited reports from certain newspapers (no specific source mentioned) suggesting the government had been informed of a potential attack three days before Lashkar terrorists launched their assault in the picturesque Baisaran Valley.

"The area should have been secured by local law enforcement and the Border Security Force," he insisted.

Earlier, opposition parties and Mr Kharge himself raised concerns about security lapses, but Mr Kharge argued then, as now, "We support the government in taking firm action against our enemy, Pakistan..."

Flashback | "Not the Time for Party Politics": Congress' Emphatic Unity Message After Pahalgam

At the time, the Congress reiterated its stance, stating they "never wished to politicize Pahalgam" and that "this is a moment for unity, to ensure justice for the victims and their grieving families..."

BJP Strikes Back

Tuhin Sinha, the BJP's spokesperson, strongly countered the Congress' accusations, suggesting no proof was presented. "Security breaches are invariably part of the package before a terror attack," he asserted.

WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: In a report from our platform, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge comments on the intelligence failure, questioning why no measures were taken despite prior knowledge, and accuses the government of cancellations due to "security reasons."

Mr Sinha further clarified there was no cancellation of the Prime Minister's trip due to any impending threat. "To propose that the visit was cancelled due to security concerns is mere speculation," he stated.

He also highlighted the government's acceptance of the intelligence oversight at the recent all-party meeting.

our platform Explains | "Navigating the Most Dangerous" Pakistan's Terror Trail: Moscow, London

"Whenever a catastrophe like this occurs, regardless of the location—Israel in October 2023, the United States on September 11, or the assassination of Indira or Rajiv Gandhi—there are always security flaws," he explained.

Security agencies, he emphasized, must strive for "one hundred percent success" to deter attacks, but terrorists, by nature, "only require one victory."

READ | "Facing the Test": NSA Doval Meets PM Amid Tension with Pakistan Over Pahalgam Attack

"But for Mr Kharge to criticize the government at a time when we are preparing for unprecedented action against the enemy merely showcases a lack of maturity and partisan interests," he argued, indirectly referencing comments from other Congress leaders.

"I believe, given the circumstances, Mr Kharge should have demonstrated a higher level of restraint and not accentuate matters already discussed in the all-party meeting..."

VIDEO | Listen to BJP leader and former law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's comments on Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks about the Prime Minister: "Mr Kharge claims solidarity with the nation in meetings, yet at other times, he seeks to undermine it."

Former law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also denounced the Congress, accusing Mr Kharge of duplicity. "Claiming allegiance to the nation in one breath, but attempting to weaken it in another—this is an unfortunate state of affairs," he stated.

VIDEO | Listen to BJP leader CR Kesavan's views on Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's comments about the Prime Minister: "Today, Mr Kharge has uttered traitorous words akin to Mir Jafar, and his unfounded, inflammatory rhetoric against the Prime Minister is beyond reprehensible."

The party's Tamil Nadu spokesperson, CR Kesavan, and its Jharkhand unit head, Babulal Marandi, also weighed in on the debate. Mr Kesavan criticized Mr Kharge for treacherous statements and appealed to the Congress' leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, to publicly denounce Mr Kharge's remarks and apologize for his actions.

Prime Minister Vows Retribution

The government has vowed a relentless pursuit of the perpetrators behind the tragic loss of 26 Indian and Nepali lives.

READ | "Making the World Aware...": The Powerful English Speech by the PM on Terror

In the wake of the attack, the Prime Minister declared that the malevolent agenda of terrorism could never prevail, and extended an international warning to terrorists far and wide: "We will track you down, and justice will be served."

The Bharatiya Janata Party, in response to the allegations made by Mallikarjun Kharge, unequivocally rejects any negligence in intelligence regarding the potential terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tuhin Sinha, the BJP's spokesperson, stood firm against the Congress' accusations, stating that no proof of security breaches was presented.
Mr Sinha also clarified that there was no cancellation of the Prime Minister's trip due to any impending threat, branding the notion as mere speculation.
In a statement, former law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad denounced the Congress, accusing Mallikarjun Kharge of duplicity and implying that his criticisms were unfounded and out of line.
The party's Tamil Nadu spokesperson, CR Kesavan, and its Jharkhand unit head, Babulal Marandi, joined in the condemnation, with Mr Kesavan going so far as to claim that Kharge's statements were traitorous.
As the situation unfolded in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident, the Prime Minister vowed to relentlessly pursue the perpetrators behind the loss of 26 lives.
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