Who benefited the most, asks Rahul on Pulwama attack's anniversary
What's the story
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi has used the Pulwama attack of 2019 to slam Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party BJP. In a tweet, the parliamentarian from Wayanad, Kerala, asked who "benefited the most from the attack". "What is the outcome of the inquiry into the attack?" was his second question. He also asked if anyone from BJP was held accountable for lapses.
Context
Exactly a year ago, 40 CRPF soldiers were martyred
A vehicle, laced with explosives, rammed into a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir, taking the lives of 40 soldiers. Orchestrated by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed, the Pulwama attack was the worst one to hit the Valley in decades. The suicide bomber was identified as Adil Mohammed Dar. In response to the Pulwama attack, India conducted the Balakot airstrikes and demolished Jaish's camp across the border.
Tweet
The martyrs are being remembered, but Rahul had some questions
Since morning tributes for the bravehearts have been pouring in, but Rahul saw it as an opportunity to slam BJP. He asked, "Who in the BJP Govt has yet been held accountable for the security lapses that allowed the attack?" By asking who benefited, Rahul most likely referred to BJP's historic win in 2019 elections. The Balakot airstrikes steered the public view's in the saffron party's favor.
Twitter Post
You can read his tweet here
Today as we remember our 40 CRPF martyrs in the #PulwamaAttack , let us ask:
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 14, 2020
1. Who benefitted the most from the attack?
2. What is the outcome of the inquiry into the attack?
3. Who in the BJP Govt has yet been held accountable for the security lapses that allowed the attack? pic.twitter.com/KZLbdOkLK5
Campaign
BJP mentioned Balakot airstrikes in some way or another
The Balakot airstrikes, conducted by Indian Air Force (IAF) on the intervening night of February 25 and 26, constantly featured in the Lok Sabha election campaign of BJP, despite the Supreme Court ordering political parties to not use army operations for electoral gains. On May 23, BJP won 300+ Lok Sabha seats and some linked this thumping victory to the successful, but dangerous, operation.
Tributes
Rajnath Singh, PM Modi said India will never forget sacrifices
While Rahul decided to put out a controversial tweet today, other politicians solemnly remembered the martyrs. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who was the Home Minister when the attack happened, said that India will never forget their sacrifice and that the country stands united against terrorism. PM Modi said the martyrs were exceptional individuals who dedicated their lives to protect the country.
Twitter Post
India will never forget their martyrdom
Tributes to the brave martyrs who lost their lives in the gruesome Pulwama attack last year. They were exceptional individuals who devoted their lives to serving and protecting our nation. India will never forget their martyrdom.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2020
Memorial
A memorial, to honor the bravehearts, will be inaugurated today
At the Lethpora camp, a memorial will be inaugurated. The memorial will have pictures, names of the deceased soldiers, and CRPF's motto 'Seva and Nishtha'. "It definitely was an unfortunate incident and we have learned our lessons now. We were always extra alert during our movement but now an extra layer of alertness has been added to it," said Additional Director General of CRPF Zulfiquar Hasan.
Ties
Evidently, the Pulwama attack worsened Indo-Pak ties
India and Pakistan weren't on best terms since the 2016 Uri attack, and it nosedived further, after the Pulwama episode. New Delhi shamed Islamabad on almost all international forums and exposed how the country supports terrorism. The dedication worked and in May 2019, Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish, was designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council.
Aftermath
So, has anything changed after Pulwama attack?
Pertinently, the Pulwama attack shed light on the faults of intelligence agencies. And a year on, can it be guaranteed that such an attack won't happen again? However, the probability has been reduced. "Several countermeasures have been taken including the use of mine proof vehicles, bulletproof vehicles, check posts, observers on-road," Advisor to J&K Lieutenant Governor was quoted by India Today.