Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 27: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday fiercely criticized Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar for his remarks connecting the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam to the “unresolved issues of Partition.” The BJP accused Aiyar and the Congress party of continuing their appeasement politics and turning a blind eye to Pakistan's role in supporting terrorism.
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh responded sharply, condemning Aiyar’s comments. “Pakistani terrorists have mercilessly killed innocent civilians, yet Congress leaders keep indulging Pakistan. This is the epitome of appeasement,” Chugh stated, referring to the attack that left 26 people dead.
Chugh further criticized Aiyar’s comparison of the attack to the historical trauma of Partition, calling it an inappropriate statement that undermined the victims’ suffering. “Partition was a devastating chapter in our history, with two million dead and millions displaced. The Congress must take responsibility for that disaster. Aiyar’s remarks add salt to the wounds of the victims,” Chugh said.
Aiyar, speaking at a public event in Delhi, had remarked, “We are still paying the price for Partition,” speculating that the recent terror attack in Pahalgam might be a reflection of lingering issues stemming from the 1947 division of India.
The BJP quickly seized on Aiyar’s comments, accusing Congress of evading responsibility for Pakistan’s role in terrorism. National BJP spokesperson Sandeep Bhandari took to social media, denouncing the party's stance. “Congress continues its appeasement even in the face of a terror attack. First, Robert Vadra and Siddaramaiah, now Mani Shankar Aiyar refuses to call out Pakistan and the terrorists. Nothing has changed since 26/11 – Congress still shields the terror network and coddles Pakistan,” Bhandari posted on X.
Earlier, Congress leader Rashid Alvi defended Aiyar’s statement, saying, “Partition was indeed a mistake, and we are still facing its consequences. If it hadn’t happened, perhaps incidents like the Pahalgam attack might have been avoided.”
The deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 sent shockwaves across the country, claiming 26 lives and exacerbating tensions with Pakistan. The Indian government has promised a decisive response and has already implemented stronger security measures.