Last Updated:May 06, 2025, 17:34 IST

Kharge claimed that PM Modi cancelled a planned visit to Kashmir after receiving an intelligence alert three days before the Pahalgam terror attack last month

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge | File Image/PTI

The BJP on Tuesday came down heavily on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled a planned visit to Kashmir after receiving an intelligence alert three days before the Pahalgam terror attack last month.

Kharge also alleged that the Centre had admitted to an “intelligence flaw” during an all-party meeting and should be held accountable for failing to strengthen security arrangements in Kashmir to protect civilians.

“I got information that three days before the attack, an intelligence report was sent to Modi Ji, and that is why Modi Ji cancelled his visit to Kashmir,” Kharge said at the ‘Samvidhan Bachao‘ rally in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

“When an intelligence report says that it is not proper to visit there for your security, why did you not inform your security, intelligence, local police and border force to protect people? When you got the information, you cancelled your programme but did not send more forces to protect tourists there,” he further questioned.

BJP Rebukes Kharge’s Remarks

In response, several BJP leaders criticised Kharge’s comments, calling them irresponsible and “shameful”.

Former Union minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “What has happened to Kharge ji…On one hand, during the meeting, they say that they are with the country and on the other hand, they are saying that the PM did not go to Kashmir because he was aware of the attack.”

Prasad further added: “This is an unfortunate thing to hear, especially when the country is already going through so much border tension…We do not expect such things at this moment.”

BJP Andhra Pradesh Vice President Vishnu Vardhan Reddy called Kharge’s comment a “betrayal.”

“Even after receiving full details in all-party briefing, they still choose to question our armed forces. At a time when country is speaking in one voice against Pakistan-sponsored terror, Congress is busy parroting enemy narratives. This isn’t opposition—this is betrayal,” Reddy wrote in a post on X.

Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi also said Kharge’s comments came at a critical time when the “fight against terrorism and Pakistan is at a decisive juncture.”

“Kharge’s attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is intended to lower the morale of security agencies. He made this comment at a time when the fight against terrorism and Pakistan is at a decisive stage,” Marandi said.

Meanwhile, BJP leader CR Kesavan called Kharge’s comments as “treacherous,” comparing him to a “modern-day Mir Jaffar”.

“His toxic, baseless, unfounded rant against the Prime Minister is most deplorable and condemnable, and Kharge’s remarks are unpardonable, indefensible, and cannot be forgiven,” Kesavan stated.

“Everybody demands an unconditional apology from him, and he should also come clean on what kind of inputs he received to make such outrageous remarks,” he added.

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