'Poonch Stuntbaazi Orchestrated To Benefit BJP': Congress' Channi Stirs Row
poonch terror attack: ‘poonch stuntbaazi orchestrated to benefit bjp’: congress’ charanjit singh channi stirs row
Former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi has stirred controversy with his remarks on the recent terror attack in Poonch. He claimed that the attack, which resulted in the death of an Air Force soldier and injuries to four others, was a “pre-election stunt by the BJP.” Channi said ‘this incident conveniently allows the BJP to criticize the Congress amidst the ongoing general election’.
Addressing the gathering while campaigning in Jalandhar — the constituency from which he is contesting Lok Sabha polls, Channi said, “These are all stuntbaazi and not terrorist attacks. There is no truth in it. BJP is playing with the lives of people and bodies.”
Further, drawing a comparison to the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF Personnel, Channi said that “such attacks are orchestrated to benefit the BJP whenever elections are held.”
“These attacks are not really happening but just meant to benefit the Bharatiya Janata Party. Whenever elections take place, such stunts are played like it happened last time,” Channi added.
“To kill people and to play with their bodies….BJP knows it…,” he alleged.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) soldier was killed and four others were injured in the terror attack in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday evening. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force on Sunday mourned Corporal Vikky Pahade, who succumbed to injuries sustained in the attack.
“The CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and all personnel of (the) Indian Air Force salute the braveheart Corporal Vikky Pahade, who made the supreme sacrifice in (the) Poonch Sector, in the service of the nation. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand firmly by your side in this hour of grief,” read a post on the official X handle of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
‘Ridiculous’: BJP Slams Congress Over Channi’s Remarks
Union Minister Anurag Thakur demanded an apology from top Congress leadership including former party president Sonia Gandhi after its leader Charanjit Singh Channi alleged that Poonch terrror attack was “pre-planned” and questioned were the 1962,1965 and 1971 wars done for winning the elections.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur demanded an apology from top Congress brass including former party president Sonia Gandhi after its leader Charanjit Singh Channi alleged that Poonch terrror attack was “pre-planned” and questioned were the 1962,1965 and 1971 wars done for winning the elections.
“I have a question for Congress: Were the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars done for winning elections? On such a ridiculous statement, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi should apologise…They question the ability of our forces…How low will Congress stoop? Will Congress insult our Bravehearts for the sake of winning elections?” Thakur told ANI reporters.
The attack came ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat for the 2024 general elections. The elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being held in five phases from April 19 to May 20. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which are currently underway, are being held in seven phases running from April 19 to June 1.