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Key Points

A recent revelation by former Union Minister P. Chidambaram has reignited the debate around India's response to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan seized the opportunity to criticize the Congress party's leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi. The disclosure highlights the diplomatic complexities surrounding potential military retaliation during the UPA government's tenure. The BJP has launched a strong attack, demanding accountability and an apology from Congress leaders.

Key Points: Odisha Minister Slams Chidambaram's 26/11 Terror Response Revelation

  • Chidambaram reveals UPA government's hesitation in military retaliation after 26/11
  • Odisha Minister Harichandan exposes Congress leadership's perceived weakness
  • BJP demands apology from Chidambaram and Sonia Gandhi
  • US diplomatic pressure prevented immediate response to terror attacks
2 min read

Odisha Minister slams Congress over 26/11 attack response

Odisha Law Minister criticizes Congress leadership over diplomatic restraint during 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, demanding accountability from Rahul Gandhi

"Please don't react. - Condoleezza Rice (US Secretary of State)"

Bhubaneswar, Sep 30

After former Union Minister P. Chidambaram's revelation that the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government considered military retaliation after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks but refrained due to US pressure and diplomatic advice, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, on Tuesday, took a jibe at the Congress, saying that it is high time that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi confesses the same revelation as the former Union Home Minister.

Speaking to media persons, the Odisha Minister has said that Chidambaram's statement exposed the then Congress government's weakness.

Harichandan added that during the 10-year rule of the Congress-led UPA government, they functioned under some unknown pressure and took decisions that compromised the nation's security.

The Minister also said that Chidambaram has finally acknowledged the matter, and that Rahul Gandhi should now also come forward and admit.

On the other hand, the BJP-led state government launched a scathing attack on the Congress, demanding an apology from Chidambaram and Sonia Gandhi.

Reacting to Chidambaram's comments, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "This is not shocking at all. We have been saying this for a long time. This was their weakness. Why did Chidambaram suddenly remember all this after so many years?"

Chidambaram, in a recent interview, said, "Two or three days after I took charge as the Union Home Minister, the then US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice came to meet me and the Prime Minister to say, 'Please don't react.' I said it's a decision for the government to take. But an act of retribution did cross my mind."

The senior Congress leader also revealed that the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had discussed potential retaliation while the terror attacks were still ongoing.

However, the UPA government was ultimately advised by the Ministry of External Affairs and senior diplomats not to react militarily.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand the need for diplomatic caution, our nation's security should never be compromised. The government should have shown more strength during such a critical time.
S
Sarah B
As someone who was in Mumbai during the attacks, this revelation hurts deeply. We expected our leaders to protect us, not bow to foreign pressure. 😔
A
Arjun K
Let's not make this a political blame game. What matters is learning from past mistakes and ensuring our national security is never compromised again. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
I think we should appreciate that Chidambaram is being honest now. Better late than never. But why did it take 15 years to come out with this truth?
K
Kavya N
Every government faces tough decisions. Maybe they thought diplomacy was the better option at that time. We should focus on current security measures rather than past politics.

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