Ex-Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi’s remarks on Sunday, linking the Poonch terror attack to the Lok Sabha elections, have sparked controversy. Charanjit Singh Channi, who is also a Congress candidate from the Jalandhar parliamentary constituency, referred to the attack as a “stunt” orchestrated to benefit the BJP in the upcoming elections.
The comment drew swift condemnation from Union Minister Anurag Thakur and BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa. Thakur called on the Congress leadership to apologize for Charanjit Singh Channi’s statement, labeling it as disrespectful to soldiers.
Charanjit Singh Channi’s statement came in response to a question about the attack on the Indian Air Force convoy in Poonch district, where one soldier was killed and four were injured. He alleged that such incidents are staged close to elections to bolster the BJP’s electoral prospects.
In response, Anurag Thakur condemned Channi’s remarks, questioning whether the Congress would insult soldiers to win elections. Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar also criticized Charanjit Singh Channi, describing his comments as “shameful” and calling for an immediate apology.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa denounced Charanjit Singh Channi’s statement, emphasizing the importance of respecting the sacrifice of soldiers. He criticized the Congress for allegedly undermining the valor of Indian armed forces.
The controversy highlights the political tensions surrounding security issues and the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
