New Delhi: Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday hit back at AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi’s demand that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should bring back the masterminds of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks from Pakistan, drawing a comparison with the United States’ recent military action in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.

Owaisi had earlier said that just as US President Donald Trump ordered an operation to capture the Venezuelan leader, India should also take similar action against those responsible for planning the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Responding to the remarks, BJP MP Ghulam Ali Khatana said India’s approach to terrorism under the Narendra Modi-led NDA government has been clear and measured.
“India has responded to terrorist attacks by targeting terrorists, not countries. We are a responsible nation and the world’s largest democracy. We believe in maintaining cordial relations with all our neighbours, big or small, and we do not fall for any kind of provocation,” Khatana said.

Bihar minister Dilip Jaiswal also dismissed Owaisi’s statement, describing it as an attempt to create sensationalism.
“Asaduddin Owaisi is known for making sensational remarks. Now he is advising US President Donald Trump. I pray that the US President considers his advice,” Jaiswal said sarcastically.

What Owaisi Said

Speaking at a rally on Saturday, Owaisi referred to the recent US military operation in Venezuela, during which President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were captured and flown to New York to face criminal charges. Drawing a parallel, the Lok Sabha MP said Prime Minister Modi should take similar action against those accused of masterminding the 26/11 terror attacks.

“If US President Donald Trump can abduct Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from his own country, then you (Prime Minister Modi) can also go to Pakistan and bring back the masterminds of the 26/11 terrorist attacks to India,” Owaisi said. He also cited Saudi Arabia’s military actions in Yemen while making his point.

Owaisi specifically named Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives, accusing them of plotting the Mumbai attacks and urging the Indian government to act decisively.

Context of the Remarks

Owaisi’s comments came in the backdrop of escalating global tensions following the US airstrikes on Venezuela and the subsequent capture of Maduro. The operation has sparked international debate over sovereignty, international law, and the use of force across borders.

BJP leaders, however, stressed that India’s counter-terrorism policy is guided by responsibility, international norms, and diplomatic considerations, rejecting comparisons with the US action in Venezuela.