Congress MP and former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi sparked a political firestorm by questioning the authenticity of surgical strikes conducted by the Indian armed forces in Pakistan during the BJP government’s tenure. Channi, speaking at a press conference, claimed he has consistently demanded proof of the strikes, stating, “I could not find where the strike took place or who was killed. Nothing was seen, and no one came to know.”
His remarks drew swift condemnation from BJP leaders, with Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa accusing Channi and the Congress party of repeatedly undermining the Indian military. “What kind of mentality is this—that of the Congress, the Gandhi family, Rahul Gandhi—that they keep questioning the army and demoralizing our forces?” Sirsa said. He also pointed out that even Pakistan had acknowledged damage from the strikes.
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla escalated the criticism, branding the Congress as the “Pakistan Prast Party,” accusing it of echoing Pakistan’s narrative and undermining national security.
The controversy comes even as Congress, in its recent CWC meeting, demanded accountability and justice following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Channi also urged the government to support the families of the victims.
The remarks have reignited political debate over national security, military operations, and the political responsibility of supporting India’s armed forces.