Yashwant Sinha Sparks Political Storm: Claims Pahalgam Attack Was “Staged for Votes,” Not Linked to Pakistan
NEW DELHI – Former Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha has ignited a major political controversy by suggesting that the recent Pahalgam attack was a politically motivated incident orchestrated by the Modi government, dismissing any external involvement, including Pakistan.
In an explosive interview with a local media outlet, the veteran BJP leader-turned-critic accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using national security incidents to manipulate public sentiment ahead of elections, echoing allegations he made after the 2019 Pulwama attack.
“This is another drama, staged to sway voters in the upcoming Bihar elections — just like Pulwama was before the 2019 polls,” Sinha stated.
He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again seeks to use national security rhetoric for electoral gain, pointing out that Modi had previously invoked Pulwama martyrs during campaign speeches to rally voter support.
“Modi Using National Crises for Political Mileage”: Sinha
Sinha’s comments come at a sensitive time as nationalist sentiment surges across India. The government has not issued an official response to the allegations. However, the remarks have already drawn sharp political reactions, with opposition leaders hailing Sinha’s stance as bold and necessary.
When asked about Modi’s firm policy of limiting talks with Pakistan to terrorism and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Sinha dismissed the approach as unrealistic.
“Then there will be no talks at all. You can’t engage in diplomacy with such rigidity,” he said.
Criticism of Modi’s Diplomacy and Political Strategy
In a separate interview, Sinha launched a broader attack on the BJP’s governance style, accusing it of extracting political capital from every national crisis.
“Every time someone like Rahul Gandhi raises a question, they’re branded as speaking Pakistan’s language,” Sinha said. “Yet the government includes Congress leaders in diplomatic delegations — isn’t that a contradiction?”
He further questioned the lack of transparency on military casualties and strategic setbacks in recent operations, demanding that Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar disclose the real toll.
“In a democracy, people knew about our losses in Kargil, and the wars of 1965 and 1971. Why hide the numbers now?” he asked.
“I Will Keep Asking Questions — It’s My Right,” Says Defiant Sinha
Anticipating criticism from the BJP for his outspoken stance, Sinha said he was unafraid of being labeled pro-Pakistan.
“I have no hesitation. This is my democratic right — and no government can take that away from me,” he asserted.
He held PM Modi, FM Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval accountable for ensuring truth and transparency, saying the public deserves honest answers, not “fabricated statements.”
Opposition Backs Sinha, BJP Maintains Silence
Sinha’s remarks have triggered a wave of responses across the political spectrum. While opposition parties praised his courage, BJP spokespersons have so far refrained from issuing a formal rebuttal.
With the Bihar elections approaching and tensions rising in Kashmir, Sinha’s explosive statements may prove to be a pivotal moment in the political narrative, forcing both the government and the opposition to address long-standing concerns around transparency, diplomacy, and electoral ethics.
