Former Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha has stirred political controversy by suggesting that the recent Pahalgam attack was orchestrated for electoral gains rather than having any external involvement, giving a clean chit to Pakistan.

In a hard-hitting interview with a local news outlet, the veteran BJP leader-turned-dissident claimed the Pahalgam incident was a “drama” staged by the Modi government with the upcoming Bihar elections in mind. “Just like Pulwama, which occurred ahead of previous elections, this too is being used for political mileage,” Sinha alleged.

Drawing a direct parallel to the 2019 Pulwama attack, Sinha said the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had then used national security sentiments to garner public support. “Modi asked for votes in the name of Pulwama martyrs during his election rallies,” he recalled. “Now, this new incident is again being politicised for electoral benefit.”

The remarks come at a sensitive time, with nationalistic rhetoric intensifying across India in the run-up to the Bihar elections. The government has not issued an official response to Sinha’s claims.

When questioned about Prime Minister Modi's stance that India will only hold talks with Pakistan on two issues — terrorism and Pakistani-administered Kashmir — Sinha dismissed the assertion, saying, “Then there will be no talks. It’s not possible with such a rigid stance.”

In another interview, the former minister criticised the Modi administration’s approach to diplomacy and political discourse, saying it aims to extract political capital from every national crisis. “Whenever someone like Rahul Gandhi raises questions, the government brands them as speaking Pakistan’s language,” Sinha remarked. “If that’s the case, then why were Congress leaders included in recent diplomatic delegations?”

He also raised concerns over the lack of transparency on military casualties and strategic setbacks. “We know the losses India suffered in Kargil and in the wars of 1965 and 1971 — these are not secrets in a democracy. So why won’t the Foreign Minister disclose the true toll of the recent conflict?” he asked, pressing for accountability.

Sinha held key figures in the government responsible, saying that Prime Minister Modi, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval must fulfil their duties and be answerable to the public. “The government cannot continue hiding behind vague and fabricated statements,” he said.

When asked how he would respond if the BJP labelled him a Pakistani sympathiser — as it has done with other critics — Sinha remained defiant. “I have no hesitation. I will continue asking these questions. It is my right and the right of every Indian citizen. India is a democracy, and no one can deprive me of that right,” he asserted.

Sinha’s remarks have triggered sharp responses across political lines, with opposition leaders welcoming his comments as courageous, while BJP spokespersons have so far refrained from issuing a detailed rebuttal.