Congress and BJP Trade Barbs over Pakistan and 26/11 Attacks
The political landscape in India heated up this week as the Congress and the BJP engaged in a war of words over Pakistan and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
Congress Accuses BJP of Using Pakistan for Electoral Gains
Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using Pakistan for electoral gains. He pointed to Modi's surprise visit to Pakistan in 2015 and his recent references to the neighboring country during election campaigns. Patole claimed that the BJP is resorting to such tactics due to their fear of defeat in the ongoing elections.
BJP Counters with Accusations of Congress Siding with Terrorists
Prime Minister Modi countered these accusations by claiming that the Congress party has given a clean chit to Pakistan for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. He also criticized Congress leaders for supporting Ajmal Kasab, the terrorist convicted and executed for his role in the attacks. Modi cited statements by Congress leaders questioning the involvement of Pakistan and the role of a police official in the death of Hemant Karkare, the former ATS chief killed during the attacks.
Congress Leader's Controversial Statement Sparks Controversy
Adding fuel to the fire, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar sparked controversy by claiming that Karkare was not killed by terrorists but by a police official linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. This statement drew sharp criticism from the BJP, who accused the Congress of disrespecting the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks.
Escalating Tensions and Political Rhetoric
The exchange between the Congress and the BJP highlights the escalating tensions and heated rhetoric in the Indian political landscape. With elections approaching, both parties are resorting to increasingly aggressive tactics to score points against each other. This trend raises concerns about the potential for further polarization and division within the country.