Union Home Minister Amit Shah targets Congress in Lok Sabha, listing terrorists who fled during their rule. Cites Dawood Ibrahim, Tiger Memon, Bhatkal brothers. Congress hits back over recent terror attacks and Operation Sindoor.
New Delhi, July 29, 2025 — In a powerful address during the special Lok Sabha discussion on Operation Sindoor, Union Home Minister Amit Shah turned the spotlight on the Congress party, accusing it of national security failures that allowed top terrorists to flee India. Shah’s statement came in response to Congress’ sharp criticism of the government over the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent military operation.
Shah directly challenged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asking him to explain how several notorious terrorists, including Dawood Ibrahim, Tiger Memon, and the Bhatkal brothers, managed to escape Indian soil under Congress-led governments.
List of Terrorists Who Fled Under Congress Rule: Shah’s Charge
Amit Shah laid out a pointed list of terrorists who allegedly fled the country while the Congress party held power at the Centre:
- Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar – fled in 1986, under Rajiv Gandhi’s government
- Syed Salahuddin – fled in 1993
- Tiger Memon – fled in 1993
- Anees Ibrahim Kaskar – fled in 1993
- Riyaz Bhatkal – fled in 2007
- Iqbal Bhatkal – fled in 2010
- Mirza Shadab Baig – fled in 2009
“All this happened when Congress was in power. Now Rahul Gandhi should answer. Our security forces have already responded on the ground,” Shah asserted in Parliament.
Operation Mahadev: A Swift Military Response
Shah also informed the House that all three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack were killed in Operation Mahadev, a joint effort by the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police conducted on the outskirts of Srinagar.
The operation was a decisive follow-up to Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror camps across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after the brutal Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 civilians.
Congress Strikes Back: Demands Accountability
The Congress party, however, did not hold back. On Monday, it demanded that Home Minister Amit Shah take full responsibility for the security lapses that enabled the Pahalgam attack to happen in the first place. The party also raised tough questions:
- How many Indian jets were downed during Operation Sindoor?
- Who exactly ordered the halt in military action against Pakistan?
- What progress has been made in identifying those behind the Pahalgam massacre?
“Before pointing fingers at us, the BJP should first answer what really happened during the recent operations,” said a senior Congress spokesperson.
Security vs Politics: A Larger Debate
The fiery exchange in Parliament has reignited a national debate over accountability in national security. While the BJP claims successful military action and firm leadership, the Congress is pushing for transparency, questioning the decision-making process, civilian protection protocols, and the real outcomes of cross-border strikes.
Defence Minister and PM Also Speak Out
Earlier this week, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed both Houses of Parliament, detailing India’s strategic response under Operation Sindoor. He affirmed India’s right to retaliate with force when civilians are targeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to address the Lok Sabha later today, with insiders hinting that he may reinforce India’s security stance and counter the opposition’s allegations head-on.
Terrorism Becomes Political Hotbed Once Again
As India deals with cross-border terrorism and rising tensions with Pakistan, political parties are locked in a blame game. Amit Shah’s sharp rebuke of Congress and Rahul Gandhi has taken center stage, but it remains to be seen whether this exchange will lead to policy reforms, better coordination among security agencies, and real justice for victims.
One thing is clear: national security has once again become the battleground for political narratives. The citizens of India, however, await not just answers — but also action.