Red Fort Blast: Congress Demands Resignation Of Amit Shah

In a scathing critique, Congress MP and general-secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal has pinned the blame for the deadly Red Fort blast on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling it a “serious security failure” and urging him to resign, taking moral responsibility.

“When the Mumbai terror attack (November 2008) happened during the UPA government, the then home minister (Shivraj Patil) resigned, accepting moral responsibility for the lapse. The opposition had then demanded his resignation — today, Amit Shah should do the same if he has any sense of responsibility,” Venugopal told reporters, drawing parallels to past incidents where accountability was upheld.

He accused Shah of consistently misleading Parliament on internal security. “Our home minister always says there are no riots, no blasts, lying every time. Now, right under his nose, very close to his office, this blast has happened,” the Congress leader said, highlighting the proximity of the explosion to key government sites.

Venugopal demanded a transparent and independent probe into the incident. “The government should come out with a clear-cut inquiry and tell the nation the real reason behind the blast,” he insisted, stressing the need for public disclosure to restore trust.

The blast, which occurred on November 10 near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, claimed 13 lives and injured over 20, raising alarms about security in the national capital. The explosion happened just days after security agencies dismantled a “white-collar terror module” allegedly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind in Faridabad and Haryana. Eight individuals, including three doctors from Al-Falah University, were arrested, and a significant cache of explosives was seized.

Venugopal argued that the government’s repeated assurances of peace and safety have been exposed. “The home minister has failed to ensure the security of the people of Delhi and the nation,” he added, framing the incident as a direct indictment of Shah’s leadership.

Political analysts view Venugopal’s remarks as part of a broader opposition strategy to pressure the government amid rising security concerns. The Red Fort, a symbol of India’s independence, being targeted underscores vulnerabilities in high-profile areas. Critics point out that such incidents erode public confidence and question the efficacy of intelligence and enforcement agencies.

Venugopal’s call for resignation echoes historical precedents, like the 2008 Mumbai attacks, where accountability was demanded. However, the government has maintained that investigations are ongoing and that the arrests demonstrate proactive measures against terrorism.

The Congress leader’s statements come at a time when national security is under scrutiny, with debates intensifying over counter-terrorism strategies. Opposition parties have seized the moment to highlight perceived lapses, potentially influencing voter sentiment ahead of elections.

In response, government spokespersons have defended Shah, emphasizing the arrests and ongoing probes as evidence of robust action. Yet, Venugopal’s pointed critique underscores the political fallout, with calls for transparency growing louder.

As investigations proceed, the incident serves as a stark reminder of persistent threats. Venugopal’s demand for Shah’s resignation reflects a push for accountability, but whether it gains traction remains uncertain in India’s polarized political landscape.