Former Chief Minister of Punjab, Charanjit Singh Channi, recently stirred controversy by characterizing the Poonch attack as ‘pre-planned stuntbaazi’, implying a staged event with political motives.
Channi’s remarks have drawn significant attention, especially as they appear to link the incident to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Let’s delve into the implications of Channi’s statement and the broader context surrounding the Poonch attack.
Charanjit Singh Channi Labels Poonch Attack as ‘Pre-planned Stuntbaazi’: Alleges Political Motives Ahead of LS Polls
The terrorist attack on the Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, was allegedly “pre-planned,” according to former chief minister of Punjab and Congress candidate for Jalandhar Charanjit Singh Channi. He also called it a ploy by the BJP government to win the current Lok Sabha election.
The Congress leader said, “This is stuntbaazi. And not the (terror) attacks. When elections come, such stunts are done to make the BJP win. These are pre-planned attacks, there is no truth in them…”
Attacking the central government, Channi alleged, “To kill people and to play with their bodies….BJP knows it…”
Notably, the opposition had claimed in 2019 that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had won the general elections that year by using the Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of forty CRPF members. The Congress party had also questioned the validity of the airstrikes carried out in Balakot, Pakistan.
Union minister Anurag Thakur who was in Punjab on Sunday condemned Channi’s statement and demanded an apology from top Congress leadership. “I have a question for Congress: Were the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars done for winning elections? On such a ridiculous statement, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi should apologise…They question the ability of our forces…How low will Congress stoop? Will Congress insult our Bravehearts for the sake of winning elections?” Anurag Thakur said.
Five officers were hurt when a gang of terrorists ambushed an IAF convoy in the Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. Later in the day, one IAF soldier passed away from his wounds.
The Indian Air Force on Sunday mourned the death of Corporal Vikki Pahade, who died after sustaining major injuries in the Poonch terrorist attack.
IAF wrote on its official X account, “The CAS Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and all personnel of (the) Indian Air Force salute the braveheart Corporal Vikky Pahade, who made the supreme sacrifice in (the) Poonch Sector, in the service of the nation. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand firmly by your side in this hour of grief.”
The terrorists who carried out the attack are being sought after by the IAF and other local security forces. Poonch’s security is still at an elevated level, and every car is being closely inspected.
The attack on the IAF convoy comes days before the Lok Sabha elections in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat. The elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being held in five phases from April 19 to May 20.
FAQs:
Q: What is the Poonch attack?
A: The Poonch attack refers to a recent incident in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, where security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt by militants.
Q: Who is Charanjit Singh Channi?
A: Charanjit Singh Channi is an Indian politician who served as the Chief Minister of Punjab. He belongs to the Indian National Congress party.
Q: What does ‘stuntbaazi’ mean?
A: ‘Stuntbaazi’ is a term used colloquially in India to describe staged or orchestrated actions, often for political gain or attention.
Q: How are the Lok Sabha elections linked to this controversy?
A: Charanjit Singh Channi’s remarks suggest that the Poonch attack may have been staged or manipulated for political purposes, possibly to influence public opinion ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
