"Hollow Leadership...": Sanjay Raut Questions PM Modi’s Crisis Response After Pahalgam Attack, Demands Accountability

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people dead. Raut questioned the Prime Minister’s handling of the crisis and accused the government of shirking responsibility while tensions with Pakistan continue to escalate.

“The Prime Minister says the army has a free hand. You fight, we’ll handle the clothes — is this leadership?” Raut said, in a remark aimed at what he described as the government’s attempt to shift accountability onto the military. “If the action is successful, the government claims credit. If it fails, the army is blamed. This is hollow leadership,” he added.

Raut contrasted Modi’s approach with that of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, recalling her decisive leadership during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. “She asked General Manekshaw how many days it would take to attack Pakistan. That was real leadership. Today, there is no resolve, no accountability,” he said.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP also criticised the Prime Minister for continuing with election campaigns and public appearances in the wake of the attack. He highlighted Modi’s nine-hour visit to Mumbai where he was seen with Bollywood celebrities. “He could have cancelled the event, but he chose not to. The nation was mourning; he was clapping and cheering,” Raut said.

While expressing support for strong action against terrorism, Raut insisted that such support must be accompanied by governmental responsibility. “We support the fight against terrorism, but we will not support the government’s mistakes,” he said.

Raut further called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, drawing parallels with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. “Back then, Shivraj Patil and R.R. Patil resigned. Why is Amit Shah not being held to the same standard?” he asked.​