Sanjay Nirupam triggers controversy, says he wants proof that surgical strike was authentic

The Mumbai Congress President triggers controversy by saying he wants proof that the surgical strike was authentic

Sanjay Nirupam

After a party mouthpiece controversy that he survived early this year, Sanjay Nirupam has embarrassed the Congress yet again, as the party has disagreed with his personal views. Sources in Delhi said the Mumbai Congress President might be asked to explain his stand, which goes against popular public sentiment.

On Tuesday he triggered a controversy by tweeting that the much-acclaimed surgical strike in PoK was fake. He said his tweet was his personal view, and he did not know whether it was also his party’s official view. “I will say the strike was a fake one until the government gives us proof of its authenticity,” he said.

Congress leaders speak
The party’s Maharashtra President, Ashok Chavan, stated that the Congress did not agree with Nirupam’s views. “The Congress has already expressed its opinion on the surgical strike. We trust our defence forces and we support them wholeheartedly,” he told media.

Nirupam’s bete noire and AICC General Secretary, Gurudas Kamat, said that Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Vice-President Rahul Gandhi had complimented the Indian Army and the government for the surgical strike. “No one else in Congress should abuse their positions to embarrass the Party and the Country,” he tweeted Tuesday evening.

Senior leaders who have not been happy with Nirupam’s ‘heroics,’ told mid-day that the president has proved his immaturity yet again and thereby hit the party's image.

“Primary reason that makes us oppose Nirupam, are his 'suicidal' statements and organisational blunders ever since he took over as president early last year,” said a senior Mumbai Congress leader.

A party legislator said that Nirupam’s blunder was expected, giving the BJP advantage.

Nirupam challenged the BJP government to produce evidence to respond to the claims of a fake strike. “The government must say if it really happened or not. Counterclaims made by a small country like Pakistan are a blot on India’s image and hence the government must come out clean,” he said.

Serial offender
Early this year, Nirupam had landed in a spot after Mumbai Congress’ mouthpiece carried articles criticising party's iconic leaders, late Jawaharlal Nehru and late Indira Gandhi, and current president Sonia Gandhi.

Responding to Nirupam, BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye said the Congress leader was showing political immaturity. “Nirupam trusts Pakistan media rather than the Indian Army’s credentials and ability. He also doesn’t trust his party leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, who have appreciated the army and supported the government. BJP does not believe in seeking any political leverage through the surgical strike,” he said.

Nirupam’s tweet
Every Indian wants #SurgicalStrikesAgainstPak but not a fake one to extract just political benefit by #BJP. Politics over national interest

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