Sanjay Raut Alleges Lapses in Pahalgam Attack, Calls for Amit Shah’s Resignation and Action against Home Ministry Over ‘Government Negligence’

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday launched an attack on the BJP-led central government over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 27 lives, accusing the administration of gross negligence and lack of political will.

Addressing the media, Raut demanded action against the Union Home Ministry, alleging its failure led to the deadly attack. “The responsibility lies with the Home Ministry. We demand action against it. But the government is not prepared to do that,” he said. Raut further accused the government of treating the victims as expendable. “These 27 deaths are not mere casualties; they are human sacrifices made by the government,” he alleged.

Raut criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not attending the all-party meeting convened after the incident, stating, “The Prime Minister should have been present to listen to the opposition. Instead, he chose to go ahead with his scheduled visit to Bihar.”

He called for immediate accountability from the Home Ministry, suggesting that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should resign. “The first action after such an attack should have been taken against the Home Ministry. If the Prime Minister truly values accountability, he should ask for Amit Shah’s resignation,” Raut said.

Reacting to claims of a 'free hand' being given to the armed forces, Raut said that rhetoric was not enough. “We gave the army a free hand even in Kashmir, yet the attack happened. Giving the army freedom doesn't mean the government can ignore its own responsibilities. The Home Ministry must be the first to face inquiry,” he said.

He also criticised the government’s response to the attack, questioning the effectiveness of its retaliatory measures. “You say you stopped water to Pakistan? That's not how it works. It takes years to build the necessary dams. You banned 27 Pakistani YouTube channels—do you call that revenge?” Raut asked.

He alleged selective censorship, saying Indian channels critical of the government were being silenced. “Channels like '4PM' were taken down because they criticized the Modi-Shah policies. Is this what democracy looks like?” he said.

Drawing historical comparisons, Raut praised the political decisiveness of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. “In 1971, when Pakistan’s provocations escalated, Indira Gandhi called General Manekshaw and asked if the army was ready for war. Eight days later, India attacked and Pakistan was split in two. That was real political will,” he said.

“If speaking the truth lands me in jail, I am ready, this idea of revenge now seems limited to shutting down voices that question the Prime Minister, while failing to take real action against the enemy.” Raut Said.​