Introduction:
The 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks of 2008 remain one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. Recently, former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram made a shocking revelation during a television interview, stating that India had considered military retaliation against Pakistan but refrained due to pressure from the United States and other world powers. This disclosure has reignited political debates across the nation, with the BJP slamming the Congress-led UPA government for what they call “mishandling” of the crisis.
Chidambaram’s Disclosure on 26/11 Response:
Chidambaram, who was Home Minister under then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, recalled how global leaders intervened immediately after the attacks.
- Condoleezza Rice, then US Secretary of State, rushed to New Delhi just days after the attack, urging the Indian government to exercise restraint.
- Chidambaram admitted that although thoughts of retaliation crossed his mind, the final decision was taken after deliberation with the Prime Minister, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
- The consensus at that time was that India should not respond with direct military action.
He further stated, “Without disclosing any official secret, it did cross my mind that we should do some act of retribution… But the decision, influenced by foreign policy considerations, was not to physically react.”
BJP’s Strong Reaction:
Chidambaram’s remarks have triggered a sharp backlash from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Several leaders took to social media to express their anger:
- Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister, said that India had “paid a heavy price for the sins committed by the Congress Party.” He added that under the current government, “India won’t tolerate any terrorist attack now.”
- Pralhad Joshi, another Union Minister, accused Congress of “mishandling” the 26/11 attacks under foreign pressure. He shared the interview clip on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “After 17 years, Chidambaram admits what the nation already knew — 26/11 was mishandled due to foreign pressure. Too little, too late.”
- BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the UPA government was operating under Sonia Gandhi’s influence, claiming, “Why was the UPA taking orders from Sonia Gandhi? Why did she prevail over the Home Minister?”
Congress vs. BJP: Ongoing Political Blame Game:
While the BJP has used Chidambaram’s statements to corner the Congress, the Opposition too has previously criticized the current government’s handling of terrorism. After Operation Sindoor, a counter-terror military response to the Pahalgam attacks earlier this year, Congress and other parties accused the BJP of acting under foreign pressure — especially in the backdrop of former US President Donald Trump’s claim of mediating peace between India and Pakistan.
This shows how both governments, past and present, face questions over their handling of cross-border terrorism and the balance between diplomacy and military response.
Conclusion:
Chidambaram’s revelations have once again brought the spotlight on India’s response to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. While the Congress maintains that restraint was in line with India’s diplomatic strategy, the BJP continues to attack the UPA for its inaction at a time when the nation was grieving.
The debate raises a larger question — should India have retaliated militarily in 2008, or was restraint the wiser choice in the face of global pressure? The answer may remain controversial, but the political war of words shows no sign of ending anytime soon.
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❓ FAQ on Chidambaram’s 26/11 Revelations:
Q1. What did P. Chidambaram reveal about India’s response to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks?
Chidambaram revealed that India had considered military retaliation against Pakistan after the 26/11 attacks but refrained due to pressure from the US and other global powers.
Q2. Who from the US intervened during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks?
Then US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice flew to India shortly after the attacks, urging Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Chidambaram not to retaliate militarily.
Q3. How did the BJP react to Chidambaram’s statement?
The BJP strongly criticized Congress, accusing the UPA government of mishandling 26/11 under foreign pressure. Leaders like Kiren Rijiju and Pralhad Joshi said India paid a heavy price for Congress’s inaction.
Q4. Why did the UPA government choose not to retaliate militarily after 26/11?
According to Chidambaram, the decision was influenced by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Foreign Service, who believed diplomatic restraint was the better path amid global pressure.
Q5. How does this issue impact today’s political debate?
Chidambaram’s remarks have reignited the political blame game. While BJP attacks Congress for weakness in 2008, Congress has also criticized the BJP’s own counter-terror strategies like Operation Sindoor.
