Pahalgam attack a staged drama for votes, claims Yashwant Sinha

NEW DELHI: Giving Pakistan a clean chit, Former Indian foreign minister Yashwant Sinha has stirred a storm by suggesting that the recent Pahalgam attack was orchestrated for electoral gains, not linked to any external threat.

In a blunt interview with a local outlet, the former BJP leader-turned-critic labelled the Pahalgam incident a “drama” staged by the Modi government ahead of the upcoming Bihar elections. “Just like Pulwama in 2019, this too is being used to fuel nationalist sentiment and gain votes,” Sinha claimed.

He accused the BJP of repeating a familiar script: exploiting national security issues to sway public opinion. “Modi sought votes using Pulwama martyrs. Now this new incident is being used the same way,” he added.

Sinha’s remarks come at a time when nationalist rhetoric is heating up in India. The government has yet to respond to his statements.

When asked about PM Modi’s stand that India will only talk to Pakistan about terrorism and Azad Kashmir, Sinha dismissed the idea. “That means there will be no talks. Such rigidity doesn’t work,” he said.

In a separate interview, Sinha criticised the Modi administration’s diplomatic approach, saying the government uses national crises to gain political mileage. “If someone like Rahul Gandhi questions the narrative, they’re called pro-Pakistan. Yet Congress leaders were sent on diplomatic missions,” he pointed out.

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He also raised serious concerns about transparency on military casualties and strategic losses. “We knew what India suffered in Kargil, 1965, and 1971. So why is there secrecy now? The foreign minister must reveal the true picture,” he demanded.

Sinha held top officials like PM Modi, FM S. Jaishankar, and NSA Ajit Doval accountable, urging them to be honest with the nation. “They can’t hide behind vague statements anymore,” he said.

When asked if he feared being labelled a Pakistani sympathiser, Sinha remained defiant. “Let them say what they want. I’ll keep asking questions. That’s my right—and every Indian’s right—in a democracy,” he said.