As Kharge speaks of ‘intel report’ before Pahalgam attack, BJP shoots back: ‘Trying to weaken the country’

“When you were informed about the situation, why didn’t you communicate the same to your intelligence team, security, Kashmir police, and the Border Security Force (BSF), and ensure the safety of civilians?” Kharge said.

Reacting to the statement, BJP national spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “What has happened to Kharge sahab? What all is he saying? On one hand, in the meeting, they say we are standing with the nation, and on the other, they are trying to weaken the country. When he knows that tensions are high, it is a matter of national security, at such a time, to say about the Prime Minister that he did not go to Kashmir because he knew an attack was going to take place — can any statement be more irresponsible than this? That too, by the president of the largest political opposition party?” he said.

“We are very hurt; today, we do not want to do any politics. Kharge sahab, what has happened to you? Please try and understand. Today, the entire population of the country is united, is standing with the government, with the nation, a mock drill is being conducted in the country, and you are saying that the PM did not go to Kashmir deliberately? This is very unfortunate, very hurtful. Today, I too can say a lot of things about you, Kharge sahab, but I will not. And I hope you display some semblance of responsibility… What are your other leaders doing? Someone is making a cartoon of Rafale, someone does something else. You are required to control them, but you too have joined their brigade? This is not right, it is unfortunate, please control this,” he added.

Kharge claimed that while the Modi government had accepted its “failure” in the all-India meeting, they should have also taken responsibility for the lives that were lost.

He said he will support the government in its fight against Pakistan as he has a responsibility as a citizen, but added that the government isn’t bothered about people losing their lives.

The Congress president also spoke on the BJP’s stance on the caste census. He said that for the adivasis of Jharkhand, Congress will push the government to include the Sarna column in the census, as it is a religion revered by Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Buddha.

“I have highlighted three suggestions in the letter I sent to the Prime Minister yesterday. First, the government should hold discussions with all parties before conducting the census. Second, Adivasis, Dalits, and other backward classes should be given reservation in private institutions. And third, the 50 per cent cap on reservations should be raised,” Kharge said.

The rally was held at the Old Vidhan Sabha ground in Ranchi and will continue for 40 days across all districts of Jharkhand. All India Congress Committee General Secretary K C Venugopal, Chhattisgarh’s ex-CM Bhupesh Baghel, and several Congress leaders were present.