Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has launched a fierce critique of the central government over the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives. In a candid conversation with Saamana, Thackeray demanded answers on how such a large-scale attack could occur despite repeated assurances of peace in the Valley.
Calling the attack "shocking and enraging," Thackeray questioned the government&rsquo;s security claims post the abrogation of Article 370. &ldquo;If normalcy had truly returned to Kashmir, how did this horrific attack take place? Are we being misled by optics while security is compromised?&rdquo; he asked.
While reiterating his support for Article 370&rsquo;s removal, Thackeray criticized the handling of the post-abrogation situation. &ldquo;Tourism was revived, but vigilance was not. Treating a fragile region like it&rsquo;s fully healed is reckless,&rdquo; he said.
Highlighting the human toll, he lamented, &ldquo;Twenty-six women lost their sindoor that day. Who will answer for the pain and loss our mothers and sisters suffered?&rdquo;
Thackeray also raised critical concerns about the government's intelligence failure, pointing out that months after the attack, the perpetrators remain at large. &ldquo;First their photos were released, then dismissed. Did they vanish into thin air?&rdquo; he asked.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader didn't hold back when commenting on the Centre's muted response to international remarks. Referring to former US President Donald Trump&rsquo;s claim of averting war between India and Pakistan, Thackeray questioned Prime Minister Modi&rsquo;s silence: &ldquo;Trump repeated this 27 times. Why is our '56-inch chest' silent?&rdquo;
Criticizing the political optics of &ldquo;Operation Sindoor,&rdquo; Thackeray said the bravery of the armed forces was exploited for publicity. He also raised questions about the PM&rsquo;s retirement age, citing BJP's internal policy of leaders stepping down at 75.
&ldquo;There was a plan to break and hijack Shiv Sena. Those in power today no longer care about democratic values or the Constitution,&rdquo; he alleged.
Thackeray&rsquo;s comments signal not only a political offensive but also reflect growing concern over internal security, national dignity, and the direction of Indian governance.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]

Uddhav Slams Centre Over Pahalgam Terror Attack

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief questions Kashmir security lapse, seeks accountability from Centre

Uddhav Slams Centre Over Pahalgam Terror Attack

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief questions Kashmir security lapse, seeks accountability from Centre

July 20, 2025 | 22:28 IST