2 weeks Ago By DC Correspondent
The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed at least 26 lives including tourists from Karnataka and West Bengal, has sparked sharp political reactions, with both Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) pointing to what they called a grave failure of intelligence and security on the part of the Central government. Addressing the media in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the incident a “planned terror attack” and alleged it was the result of an “intelligence failure” by central agencies. “I feel this attack was a planned one.
Whoever has done it, I strongly condemn it. This is a major terror attack. Taking a life — no matter what caste or religion — is unacceptable.
The Karnataka government condemns this in the strongest terms,” he said. Siddaramaiah informed that a team led by Labour Minister Santosh Lad had been dispatched to Jammu and Kashmir to assist Karnataka residents affected by the attack. He also instructed officials to arrange a special flight to bring back stranded tourists.
“I had also directed them to bring back the bodies of the two deceased tourists from Karnataka. But the Government of India has arranged their transport to their respective states,” he added, while reiterating his stance that there could be no compromise on safety and that “terrorists must be neutralised.” Meanwhile, in Kolkata, the TMC launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holding him “directly responsible” for the security lapse.
The attack has reignited political tensions just ahead of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. “This is a colossal and unforgivable security and intelligence failure. Amit Shah must resign,” said TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, accusing the Centre of ignoring warning signs and failing to act on intelligence inputs.
TMC MP Mahua Moitra, in a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), criticised the government’s “fake narratives” about peace in Kashmir. “Enough of the ‘All is well’ narrative for J&K. Take real action so innocent citizens don’t lose lives,” she wrote.
Echoing similar concerns, West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu drew parallels with the 2019 Pulwama attack. “Why were terrorists allowed to reach Pahalgam? Why didn’t forces intervene? Amit Shah should resign,” he posted. The BJP, however, hit back at the opposition.
Union Minister and BJP state chief Sukanta Majumdar accused the TMC of exploiting a national tragedy for political gain. “The TMC will have enough time to do its cheap politics over dead bodies. But this is not the right time.
The Centre and security forces are working hard to nab the culprits. The terrorists will not be spared,” he said. The Pahalgam attack has not only brought fresh focus on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir but also intensified political rhetoric across the country, with opposition parties mounting pressure on the Centre over what they allege is a critical lapse in national security.
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