Bhubaneswar: Following former Union minister P Chidambaram’s disclosure that the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government mulled military action after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks but refrained due to pressure from the US and diplomatic counsel, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan remarked on Tuesday that it is about time Congress leader Rahul Gandhi admits to the same revelation made by the former Union home minister. Harichandan stated that during the decade of Congress-led UPA governance, decisions compromising national security were made under obscure pressures. He noted that Chidambaram has finally recognized the issue and urged Rahul Gandhi to do the same. Meanwhile, the BJP government also strongly criticized Congress, demanding apologies from Chidambaram and Sonia Gandhi.
In response to Chidambaram’s remarks, senior BJP leader and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad commented, “This is not surprising at all. We have been saying this for a long time. This was their weakness. Why did Chidambaram suddenly recall all this after so many years?” In a recent interview, Chidambaram mentioned, “A few days after I assumed the role of Union home minister, the then US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met with me and the prime minister to advise against a reaction. I indicated that the decision rests with the government.
However, the thought of retribution did cross my mind.” He also shared that the then prime minister Manmohan Singh had contemplated possible retaliation while the terror attacks were still in progress. Ultimately, the UPA government was advised by the Ministry of External Affairs and senior diplomats against a military response.