Amid growing political sparring over the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, questioning its past remarks and current positioning on the issue.
Referring to Congress leader Digvijaya Singh’s 2010 statement, Joshi said, “Digvijaya Singh had said that Pakistan is not involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. They gave a clean chit to Pakistan.”
He went on to question the Congress leadership’s continued support for Singh despite such controversial claims. “If the Congress party does not agree with his opinion, why did they bring him to the Rajya Sabha many times?” Joshi asked, accusing the party of indirectly endorsing a soft stance on terrorism.
The minister also criticized Congress leaders for allegedly attempting to claim credit for Rana’s extradition. “These people are taking credit for the extradition of Tahawwur Rana… The whole nation knows about their approach towards terrorism,” he said.
Tahawwur Rana, a Pakistani-origin Canadian national, is currently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) following his extradition to India after 16 years. He is accused of playing a key role in the planning and logistical support behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Joshi’s remarks add to the chorus of BJP leaders highlighting the Modi government’s diplomatic and legal efforts in bringing Rana to justice, while using the opportunity to challenge the Congress party’s historical stance on national security and terrorism.
