New Delhi, In a heated exchange, Union Minister Anurag Thakur has taken Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to task, delving into the intricacies of historical events surrounding Jammu and Kashmir. The altercation stems from Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks attributing the instability in the region to India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
During the discussion on the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Thakur invoked the words of military strategist Sam Manekshaw. He recounted a pivotal moment where Sardar Patel confronted Nehru about the fate of Kashmir during the Pakistan invasion, emphasizing the subsequent decision to deploy the army.
Responding to Shah’s accusations, Rahul Gandhi defended Nehru’s legacy, asserting, “Pandit Nehru dedicated his life for this country. He was in jail for years, Amit Shah ji does not know history.” Thakur promptly retorted, stating that history would not forgive Nehru and the Congress, holding them responsible for political wounds inflicted on the nation.
Thakur posed pointed questions to Rahul Gandhi, questioning who should be held accountable for the loss of 45,000 lives in Jammu and Kashmir during Nehru’s tenure. He also raised concerns about the 1962 war with China, where over 40,000 sq km of Indian land was captured, resulting in the deaths of more than 3000 soldiers.
The Union Minister passionately argued that had Nehru not called for an early ceasefire in 1947, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir would be an integral part of India today. The debate, laden with historical reflections and political jousting, continues to captivate attention as the nation contemplates the consequences of past decisions.
