Chidambaram’s 26/11 ‘US Pressure’ Remark Sparks Congress Infighting: ‘House Catching Fire…’

Last Updated:October 01, 2025, 15:14 IST

Rashid Alvi says Chidambaram’s comments on US pressure during 26/11 could help BJP and questioned their timing.

Former Home Minister P Chidambaram’s admission that military action was considered but not pursued sparks internal Congress criticism. (IMAGE: REIUTERS FILE)

Congress leader Rashid Alvi has accused members within the party of weakening it, following P. Chidambaram’s recent remarks that the UPA government did not retaliate against Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks due to international pressure.

Alvi questioned why Chidambaram made the claim 16 years later, asking if it implied that he had acted under US pressure. “Such a statement will only benefit the BJP. If he disagreed at that time, he should have resigned,” Alvi said while speaking to IANS, describing the internal dissent as akin to “a house catching fire because of its own lamp.” Chidambaram had admitted that thoughts of retribution crossed his mind, but the government ultimately decided against military action.

P Chidambaram in an interview with a news channel claimed that the “whole descended upon New Delhi” to urge it to not go into a war with Pakistan following the coordinated terror attacks that claimed the lives of 175 people in Mumbai 26/11 attacks.

About the Author

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev…Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev… Read More

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