Revanth Reddy, the chief minister of Telangana, expressed skepticism regarding the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) surgical strikes in Pakistan’s Balakot following the Pulwama attack in February 2019, stating that it is impossible to know if such operations have occurred.
Reddy’s Critique of Intelligence Bureau’s Role in Pulwama Tragedy
Reddy also criticized the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for its “failure” in handling the Pulwama incident, which resulted in the deaths of over 40 CRPF officers. Following similar statements made by Congressmen regarding the Pulwama attack, he made his own remarks.
Reddy Criticizes Modi’s Handling of Pulwama Incident
“…For Modi, everything is politics, everything is about winning elections. So, Modi’s thinking is not right for the country. So, the country needs to be without BJP, without Modi now. They answer everything with ‘Jai Sri Ram’. Pulwama incident is a classic example. They have failed. What is the IB doing? What is the Intelligence network doing? Modi ji attempted political benefit from the surgical strike after Pulwama incident,” Reddy said.
“My question to him is – What are you doing? Why did Pulwama incident happen? Why did you let it happen? What are you doing about internal security? Why did you not use agencies like IB, R&AW? It is your failure…Nobody knows to date if a surgical strike actually took place. So, internal security is Congress’ responsibility. We are not ready to leave the country in just anyone’s hands,” the he further said.
BJP Leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar Rebukes Revanth Reddy’s Comments
BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar responded to Revanth Reddy’s comments by questioning why the Telangana chief minister was attempting to absolve Pakistan of responsibility for the surgical strike and Pulwama attack.
“The other day, he gets praise from Pakistan newspaper. Today he questions Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi on National security. This Congress which is responsible for Gokul chat, Mecca Masjid, Dilshuknagar, Lumbini Park Bomb blasts in Hyderabad should be last one to speak about national security. Sooner or later congress might say, even these blasts didn’t happen. It’s unfortunate and didn’t expect Telangana CM to question the sacrifices of Indian army just for cheap political mileage,” Bandi wrote in an X post.
BJP Spokesman Shehzad Poonawalla Criticizes Congress’ Stance on Terrorism
The national spokesman for the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shehzad Poonawalla, took aim at the Congress, accusing it of undermining India’s resolve in the fight against terrorism by providing “clean shit” to Pakistan.
Poonawalla chastised the Congress party for its statements, he said “Now it has been clear that these are not mere coincidences but well thought experiment the way Congress party is taking stands for Pakistan and terrorism and giving them the clean chit.” He added, “Now, Revanth Reddy, the Telangana CM is not only giving clean chit to Pakistan on Pulwama and alleging India but also questioning the surgical strike.”