New Delhi [India], October 1 : Senior Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Wednesday sharply reacted to former Union Home Minister P Chidambaram's recent disclosure regarding the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, questioning the timing and intent behind his remarks.
Chidambaram, in a recent statement, has disclosed that he was inclined towards retaliatory action against Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks but was ultimately persuaded against it.
Responding to the former Home Minister's statement, Rashid Alvi said, "Why did Chidambaram remain silent for 15 to 18 years? If he was so dissatisfied, he should have resigned at that time itself. What is the compulsion of making such statements now? Does he want to weaken Rahul Gandhi's hand?"
Alvi further pointed out that Rahul Gandhi has consistently accused the present BJP-led government of acting under the influence of the Trump administration and lacking the courage to counter Washington. "At such a time, making these kinds of statements while being in the Congress is a wrong step," he added.
The 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, carried out by Pakistani-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed over 170 lives and left the nation in shock.
Chidambaram's revelation has sparked fresh political debate, with critics questioning the Congress leadership's past decisions.
Speaking on an ABP News Podcast, Chidambaram recounted the decision-making process within the government and how international diplomatic pressure, particularly from the United States, shaped India's stance.
Chidambaram recalled that he took charge as Home Minister on November 30, 2008, a day after the attacks and immediately following the resignation of Shivraj Patil.
"I became Home Minister the day after the attack. The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, called me to shift me from Finance to the Home Ministry. When I initially refused, I was told that Mrs. Gandhi (Sonia Gandhi), who was Congress president at the time, had already made a decision. I asked if I could speak with her, but was told she was out of town. I was instructed to take charge the next morning," Chidambaram said on the Inside Out podcast.
He further revealed that he was reluctant to leave the Finance Ministry. "I told them that I am happy to complete my term as the Finance Minister. I have presented five budgets, and the elections were supposed to be held in April 2009. But I was told no, and the PM informed me that the party will have to move ahead with the decision. I told them that I will move, but reluctantly," he added.
Admitting his lack of familiarity with India's security infrastructure at that time, Chidambaram said, "I went in blank," adding that he was unaware of the intelligence assets available in Pakistan and neighbouring regions.