Former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi clarifies support for government after remarks on surgical strikes spark controversy.

Chandigarh: Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi has ignited political controversy by appearing to question the authenticity of India's 2019 surgical strikes following the Pulwama terror attack, prompting swift criticism from the BJP and a subsequent clarification from the senior Congress member.
Speaking to reporters after a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Channi criticised the Narendra Modi-led central govt's response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where he said little had been done even 10 days after the incident. He dismissed "symbolic" steps — such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and cancelling visas for Pakistani nationals — as "lacking real substance."
Channi said: "The entire country is watching and waiting to see what concrete action will be taken against Pakistan." Referring to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, Channi said the govt's claim of retaliatory surgical strikes lacked transparency. "They said they dropped bombs, but where? What targets? Who was hit? Nothing was seen or verified," he said. When asked if he was calling for proof, Channi responded, "I have always demanded that."
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to seize upon his comments, with several senior members accusing Channi of questioning the Indian military's integrity and undermining national security for political gain. In a later statement, Channi attempted damage control, saying his remarks had been misinterpreted. "The Congress party stands firmly with the govt in this time of national grief. We support any action it chooses — whether cutting off Pakistan's water, restricting air access, or otherwise," he said. "We are not demanding proof. Our focus is justice for the victims and the nation."
The remarks have rekindled an ongoing political fault line over the handling and politicisation of national security incidents, in particular during election cycles.
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