Congress Rips into BJP for Handling Terrorism and Diplomatic Successes
The Congress party has come out strongly against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for how it handles terrorism and diplomacy. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil berated the BJP for rhetoric, not action, highlighting that it is only the Congress government that has successfully had people branded as 'anti-nationals' and criminals carried out through appropriate legal means.
Extradition of Tahawwur Rana: Diplomatic Success
Atul Londhe Patil pointed to the successful extradition of Tahawwur Rana, one of the main accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, as a reflection of Congress's diplomatic acumen. Rana, a 64-year-old Canadian of Pakistani origin, was extradited from the US to India to stand trial on 10 criminal charges involving his alleged role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks hatched by the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT).
The extradition was facilitated by diplomatic efforts from the likes of Salman Khurshid and Nirupama Rao, who toiled day and night to bring justice to the victims of the 26/11 attacks. The US Department of Justice considered Rana's extradition a significant step towards justice for the six American victims and many others who lost their lives in the attacks.
Congress's Record on Terrorism
Patil debunked charges of Congress being soft on terrorism, citing the party's track record in implementing capital punishment. "What softness is claimed when death penalties are given?" he queried, underlining that Congress alone has executed anti-nationals and criminals in the right legal processes.
BJP's Politicization of Terror
Patil criticized the BJP for politicizing every issue, including terrorism. "Diplomacy doesn't work with mere talk. The BJP is engrossed in superficial chatter and boastfulness," he said. He emphasized that Congress's approach to terrorism is guided by a strict adherence to legal protocols, unlike the BJP's rhetoric-driven approach.
Key Developments in the Tahawwur Rana Case
Extradition: Rana was extradited to India on April 10, 2025, after all legal obstructions were resolved.
Charges: Rana is tried on 10 criminal charges for his suspected role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Investigation: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) was able to successfully secure Rana's extradition after long efforts to prosecute the main conspirator of the 2008 attack.
Diplomatic Efforts: The US supplied key evidence against Rana under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), which played a crucial role in securing his extradition ¹.