Kharge Holds Amit Shah Accountable for Pahalgam Security Lapse in Rajya Sabha

Fast Summary:

• Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Home Minister Amit Shah for alleged security lapses leading to the Pahalgam terror attack, demanding accountability and his resignation.
• Kharge referenced statements by Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha admitting security lapses and called for clarity from the government.
• During a special parliamentary discussion on “Operation Sindoor,” Kharge raised questions regarding India’s ceasefire terms with Pakistan, referencing U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of mediation.
• He accused the government of recurring intelligence failures in preventing terror attacks, citing instances like Uri (2016), Pulwama (2019), and pahalgam (2025).
• kharge questioned why tourists were allowed despite apparent intelligence on potential attacks, as PM Modi canceled his Kashmir visit days before.
• criticized PM Modi’s absence at an all-party meeting on national security while reportedly campaigning in Bihar.
• Raised concerns about political constraints affecting military decision-making during Operation Sindoor per quotes attributed to senior officials.
• Criticized lack of accountability in protecting border residents from Pakistani shelling during the operation.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

mallikarjun Kharge’s arguments reflect rising concerns over national security management amid repeated terrorist incidents. The overarching issue centers on governance accountability within critical domains such as defense strategy and counter-terrorism planning. The acknowledged “security lapse” by J&K Lt Governor underscores systemic challenges that need resolution to ensure public safety. Moreover, questions surrounding ceasefire terms evoke scrutiny; if true third-party mediation has occurred, it would challenge India’s long-held foreign policy stance of rejecting external intervention.

Kharge’s remarks also reiterate the broader need for effective collaboration between political leadership across party lines to strengthen internal measures against terrorism.His emphasis on transparent reporting post-terror incidents emphasizes building trust through clear communication with citizens-a principle vital in crises involving national integrity.

Read more: The Hindu