In a dramatic twist that has stunned Indian media and political circles, P. Chidambaram, former Indian Home and Finance Minister, has kicked off a storm with remarks that are being called “explosive,” “irresponsible,” and by some, “a gift to Pakistan.”
Here’s what went down, and why the fire isn’t dying anytime soon:
What Did Chidambaram Say?
While speaking about the Pahalgam incident (April 22, 2025)—which left 26 dead—and Operation Sindoor, India’s so-called “decisive” military retaliation, Chidambaram made three key statements that rocked the boat:
- “For all we know, they could be homegrown terrorists. Why do you assume that they came from Pakistan? There’s no evidence of that.”
This one line has thrown fuel on India’s already volatile political debate. The ruling BJP immediately accused Chidambaram of “echoing Pakistan’s talking points.”
- “The government is not telling the truth. They’re hiding losses during Operation Sindoor.”
He claimed the Indian forces likely suffered casualties that are being covered up, saying, “War has losses on both sides, be honest.” - “Where is the Prime Minister? Where is the Defense Minister? Why are we getting only bits and pieces of information from anonymous officers?”
Chidambaram directly questioned the Narendra Modi government’s transparency and operational clarity during one of the most sensitive military episodes in recent months.
Why This Blew Up Fast
- Timing is everything: His comments dropped just before a major parliamentary session on the Kashmir situation and Operation Sindoor. The opposition was expected to corner the government—but now it’s Congress on the defensive.
- Direct hit on BJP’s favorite narrative: Chidambaram openly challenged the “Pakistan is behind everything” mantra, which the Modi administration has used consistently—domestically and internationally—to rally support.
- Accusing the Army of “tactical errors” and the government of a “cover-up” has not only triggered a media frenzy, but has invited accusations of treason from BJP ministers, who said the Congress is acting “more like Islamabad’s lawyers than India’s opposition.”
What’s the Reaction in India?
- BJP spokespersons went full throttle:
“This is disgusting. P. Chidambaram should apologize to the families of those who died. He is weakening India’s stance globally.” - News channels ran prime-time debates, calling his statements “tone-deaf” and “borderline dangerous.”
- Social media hashtags exploded:
#ChidambaramSupportsTerrorists and #CongressExposed trended across Indian platforms.
AamAwaam Analysis: Why Pakistan Should Pay Attention
From Islamabad to Rawalakot, and even diplomatic circles abroad, Chidambaram’s remarks are not a defense—but a revelation. He didn’t praise Pakistan—he questioned India’s lies. When a man of his stature—who once controlled India’s internal security—asks if Pakistan is being falsely blamed, the world must pause.
More importantly, this isn’t a fringe voice. This is a former Cabinet Minister, ex-Home Secretary, and a senior statesman in India’s main opposition party.
His words may not change India’s public mood, but they poke holes in a carefully manufactured narrative—that every act of violence in Kashmir must be Pakistan’s doing, no questions asked.
Bottom Line:
Chidambaram has broken ranks and broken the silence. Whether he spoke truth or simply stepped into political quicksand, one thing is clear:
Delhi is furious. Islamabad is watching. And the world is listening.
