Congress MP questions 2019 surgical strikes, BJP hits back: ‘Go to Pakistan with Rahul Gandhi’

Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has triggered a political storm by publicly questioning the authenticity of the 2019 surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army after the Pulwama terror attack. In a controversial statement made during a press conference, Channi claimed “no one saw” the strike and reiterated his demand for proof.

Channi stated that there was no visible evidence of the strike’s occurrence and expressed skepticism over whether it took place at all. “I have always demanded proof. Where did the strike happen? Where are the casualties? Nobody saw it, and nothing was visible,” he remarked. The comments quickly snowballed into a national debate, with the BJP accusing him of insulting the armed forces and playing into enemy hands.

The Congress MP also criticised the Modi government's delay in responding to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 28 civilians. He questioned the government’s silence and challenged its credibility, stating that the country is still waiting for a strong reaction. “People are asking — where is the 56-inch chest now?” he asked, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s often-quoted phrase.

Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa sharply condemned Channi’s remarks, accusing the Congress of consistently demoralising the military. “You can go to Pakistan with Rahul Gandhi and see the evidence there. Even Pakistan admitted to the damage,” he said. Sirsa also accused the Congress and the Gandhi family of harboring an “anti-Army” mindset.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra escalated the attack by branding the Congress Working Committee (CWC) as the “Pakistan Working Committee” (PWC). Speaking at a press conference, Patra claimed that Congress offers “oxygen to Pakistani terrorists and Army” by repeatedly questioning India's military actions. “They say CWC, but internally they are PWC,” he declared.

Despite Channi’s individual remarks, the Congress party has maintained its stance of national unity. In its recent CWC meeting, the party expressed support for national security and demanded strong action against those responsible for the Pahalgam attack. However, Channi’s comments have complicated the party’s position, providing political ammunition to the BJP ahead of key elections.