Pahalgam Attack: Cong MP Channi's Surgical Strikes Remark Sparks Row; BJP Hits Back With 'Pakistan Working Committee' Jibe

As tension continues to escalate amid speculations of India's strong retaliation after the deadly Pahalgam attack, Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's remark on surgical strikes after Pulwama attack further added substance to the political flare up involving Congress and BJP.

During a press conference after Congress Working Committee's (CWC) meeting on Friday, Channi questioned the Indian Army라이브 바카라 2019 surgical strikes across the border saying "no one saw them." In the meeting, a strong resolution was passed over urging the Centre to penalise Pakistan for the despicable attack.

His remarks targeting the Indian Army's surgical strikes after Pulwama attack, drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders which led to to responses like 'Go to Pakistan to check' and 'CWC is Pakistan Working Committee.'

What Did Channi Say?

“Till date, I could not find where the (surgical) strike took place, where men were killed at that time, and where this happened in Pakistan. Nothing had happened. Nowhere was a surgical strike seen. Nobody came to know,” Channi said speaking at a press conference.

“I have always demanded (proof).But the need of the hour is to heal the wounds of the people of our country. We demand that (the Centre) do something, identify (those behind the Pahalgam attack) and punish them", he added.

He also criticised the delay in response to the incident, saying, “Ten days have passed since the Pahalgam attack but no action has been taken by the government. The entire country is waiting to see what action the government is going to take against Pakistan. People are waiting for the 56-inch chest to act.”

However, amid strong criticism, Channi later backtracked and said, "You talked about surgical strikes. We do not ask for proof and no evidence has been sought for it.... The question today is that we want justice for the families of the victims and the country. We are standing with the government."

'Go To Pakistan To Check': BJP

Reacting sharply to the Congress, Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa accused Channi of undermining the armed forces. "Charanjit Singh Channi's statement that he needs proof of the surgical strike reflects the dirty mentality of the Congress and the Gandhi family. These people leave no stone unturned to lower the morale of the Army,” Sirsa said.

"If you want proof so badly, visit Pakistan with (Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition) Rahul Gandhi and check where the surgical strike was done," he added. 

CWC Is Pakistan Working Committee: BJP

In a stern reaction, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "From outside, they are the Congress Working Committee (CWC) but from inside, they are PWC (Pakistan Working Committee). CWC meeting was held yesterday, and some proposals were passed. Right after that, a press conference was held, and former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi said that the surgical strike had never been conducted after the Pulwama terrorist attack. Congress does not leave any opportunity to provide oxygen to the Pakistani terorrists and Pakistani Army," the BJP MP said in a press conference in Saturday, as per media reports.