Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram has sparked a political debate with his recent statement suggesting that India was prepared to launch a military strike against Pakistan in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. His claim has drawn sharp criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused him of politicizing a sensitive national security issue.
Chidambaram, who was serving as India’s Home Minister during the 26/11 attacks, said that Indian forces were on high alert and had developed contingency plans for a retaliatory strike to neutralize the terror infrastructure in Pakistan. He emphasized that the decision not to pursue immediate military action was made after careful consideration of geopolitical and strategic factors, including the risk of escalation and potential civilian casualties.
BJP leaders, however, dismissed Chidambaram’s remarks as an attempt to rewrite history and undermine the government’s handling of national security. They questioned the timing of his statement and argued that such disclosures could compromise India’s defense preparedness. Some senior party figures also highlighted that the military’s readiness during 26/11 had been under the purview of multiple administrations, suggesting that politicizing operational matters is irresponsible.
Security experts have weighed in, noting that India did significantly enhance its counter-terror capabilities following the attacks, including strengthening coastal security, intelligence sharing, and counter-terror operations. While there has always been speculation about the military’s response options post-26/11, Chidambaram’s candid acknowledgment of India’s preparedness has reignited debates on the choices available to the government at that time.
The controversy has sparked discussions in political and media circles, with analysts examining the delicate balance between deterrence and restraint in managing cross-border terrorism. The statement underscores the enduring sensitivity of the 26/11 attacks in India’s political discourse and the broader debate on national security strategy.
