Congress Questions Government’s Security Response After Pahalgam Attack
The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in tourist deaths in Jammu & Kashmir, has sparked a political controversy. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking at the Samvidhan Bachao rally in Jharkhand, alleged that PM Modi canceled a planned Kashmir visit after an intelligence report warned of a potential terror threat. This claim, coupled with the government’s response to the attack that killed 26 tourists, has intensified the Congress vs BJP debate over national security. This article examines Kharge’s allegations, the opposition’s critique, and the ongoing security measures.
Allegation of PM Modi’s Kashmir Visit Cancellation
Mallikarjun Kharge claimed that PM Modi cancelled Kashmir trip after intelligence alert received three days before the terror attack April 22, 2025. He suggested that the intelligence report indicated a specific threat, prompting Modi to avoid the region. However, this narrative is contradicted by the fact that Modi was on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, engaging in bilateral talks in Jeddah during the attack. Kharge’s allegation, framed as an intelligence lapse, implies that the government failed to act proactively, raising questions about the Centre’s accountability in preventing the Pahalgam terror attack.
"I got information that 3 days before the Pahalgam attack, an intelligence report was sent to PM Modi, and therefore he cancelled his programme to visit Kashmir..." — Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge makes a big allegation.#MallikarjunKharge #Congress #PahalgamTerroristAttack… pic.twitter.com/uwiayZBxyN
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 6, 2025
Opposition’s Criticism of Government Security
At the Samvidhan Bachao rally, Kharge and other opposition leaders criticized the government’s handling of national security, accusing it of inadequate preparedness. Kharge claimed that Modi didn’t inform forces after threat alert, questioning the government’s ability to ensure safety in Kashmir. The opposition demanded a strong response to Pakistan, which they allege supports such attacks, and called for accountability for the security lapse before J&K terror strike. These criticisms highlight concerns over the government’s strategy to counter terrorism, especially after the tragic Pahalgam attack killed 26 tourists.
BJP’s Response and Security Measures
BJP leaders countered by accusing the opposition of politicizing the Pahalgam terror attack, arguing that Kharge: National security above politics should guide discourse. They defended the government’s efforts, pointing to intensified security forces alert across Jammu and Kashmir. Post-attack, security forces increased frisking in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg, and bolstered security around hotels and tourist spots. The Jammu and Kashmir government established emergency help desks and control rooms in Srinagar and Anantnag to assist tourists. These measures aim to restore confidence and prevent further incidents, countering claims of an intelligence lapse.
#WATCH - On Congress Chief #MallikarjunKharge's statement on #PahalgamTerrorAttack, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, 'This is an unfortunate thing to hear, especially when the country is already going through a lot of tension at the border. We do not expect such things at this… pic.twitter.com/ohj6zr3x5W
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 6, 2025
In conclusion, the Pahalgam terror attack has fueled a heated Congress vs BJP debate, with Kharge blames Centre for intelligence failure and the BJP defending its national security efforts. While security forces work to stabilize the region, the controversy underscores the challenges of balancing political accountability with effective counter-terrorism strategies.
