Chidambaram's Explosive 26/11 Admission Ignites Political Firestorm: BJP Unleashes 'Too Little, Too Late' Fury

In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through India's political landscape, former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram recently admitted that the then-UPA government's decision not to retaliate militarily after the horrific 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks was a significant 'mistake'. This belated confession, made years after the tragic event that claimed over 160 lives, has immediately drawn sharp criticism and fierce condemnation from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has dismissed it as 'too little, too late' and politically opportunistic.

Chidambaram, who held the crucial Home Ministry portfolio during the aftermath of the 2008 attacks, reportedly expressed that he carried the burden of that non-retaliation for years.

His remarks imply a deep-seated regret over the UPA's strategic restraint, a stance that was widely debated and criticized by many nationalist voices at the time. However, the timing of this admission, coming as it does ahead of crucial general elections, has been questioned by political observers and, more vociferously, by the BJP.

Leading the charge against the Congress stalwart, senior BJP leaders have seized upon Chidambaram's statement to launch a scathing attack on the previous UPA government's handling of national security.

Anurag Thakur, a prominent BJP figure, articulated the party's indignation, stating, “The Congress party and P. Chidambaram are only now admitting to their mistakes that cost India heavily in terms of national security. Why did they not show courage then? Why this admission after 15 years?” The BJP's stance is clear: this admission is not a genuine act of introspection but a desperate attempt to salvage credibility in the face of persistent accusations regarding their perceived soft stance on terrorism.

The BJP has consistently accused the Congress-led UPA government of prioritizing 'vote-bank' politics over national security, alleging that this approach led to a weak and indecisive response to terror threats.

Chidambaram's confession, in their view, inadvertently validates these long-standing criticisms. They argue that while the Congress deliberated and hesitated, precious time was lost, and a stronger message could have been sent to perpetrators of cross-border terrorism.

Furthermore, the BJP is leveraging this moment to highlight what they present as a stark contrast in governance.

They often point to their own government's decisive actions, such as the surgical strikes and Balakot air strikes, as evidence of a robust and zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. By doing so, they aim to paint the Congress as historically weak and indecisive, especially when confronted with national security challenges.

This political slugfest is expected to intensify as the elections draw closer.

Chidambaram's 'admission' has undoubtedly provided potent ammunition for the BJP to target the Congress, reigniting debates about national security, political accountability, and the difficult choices faced by governments during moments of crisis. While Chidambaram may have intended to express a personal regret, his words have opened a Pandora's Box, inviting a fresh wave of scrutiny and condemnation that the Congress will find challenging to deflect.