The political atmosphere in India witnessed a sharp escalation after a video allegedly featuring Red Fort bomber Dr Umar un Nabi defending suicide attacks began circulating widely. The emergence of the clip triggered not only shock but also a fierce exchange of accusations between the ruling BJP and the Congress, pushing the conversation into the centre of national discourse. What began as an investigative development quickly grew into a polarising political storm.
As the video gained traction online, public outrage intensified, prompting political leaders to issue sharply worded statements. While the investigation into the Red Fort blast continues, the debate over radicalisation, political responsibility and the framing of narratives has captured widespread attention. The situation has created an atmosphere of heightened tension, with both sides accusing each other of deepening divisions rather than addressing the core issue of national security.
The controversy has also raised questions about the spread of extremist ideologies and the potential role of political rhetoric in fuelling polarisation. This explosive mix of investigation, ideology and political confrontation has set the stage for a heated national conversation.
BJP Accuses Congress of Enabling Radicalisation
The row intensified when BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar claimed that the bomber’s justification of suicide attacks “is not an accident” but the consequence of what he described as “dangerous politics” led by the Congress and its allies. According to him, the political environment promoted by the opposition has created space for radical ideologies to flourish.
Chandrasekhar further accused the Congress, CPM and groups such as SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami of forming alliances in Kerala that allegedly nurtured an atmosphere conducive to the radicalisation of vulnerable youth. In his posts on social media, he argued that the rhetoric embraced by these groups contributes to the spread of extremist ideologies and distorts the idea of secularism.
His remarks pointed at what he called “#APAKADAMPolitics”, suggesting that this approach ignores the dangers of extremism. He reiterated that such political behaviour is not representative of the nation’s future and called for firm action to prevent further radicalisation.
The Congress Calls for Political Restraint
The Congress responded by urging caution and advising against drawing conclusions until the ongoing investigation reaches its final stage. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera emphasised the importance of waiting for official findings before making political statements that could jeopardise the integrity of the probe.
The party maintained that the priority should be on ensuring a transparent and unbiased investigation. It criticised the BJP’s aggressive accusations, suggesting they were prematurely politicising a sensitive incident involving national security. According to Congress leaders, speculative commentary could hinder the investigative process.
While refusing to escalate the argument, the Congress stressed the need for measured responses from all political actors. They argued that responsible communication was essential in a moment marked by heightened public anxiety and widespread media attention.
The Controversial Video of Dr Umar un Nabi
The video at the centre of the political clash is a one-minute, 20-second clip allegedly recorded in April, showing Dr Umar un Nabi defending suicide bombing and describing it as a form of martyrdom. Delivered in English, the monologue has sparked intense debate about the motivations and ideological leanings behind the November 10 blast near the Red Fort.
Investigators recovered the video from a damaged mobile phone found in a waterbody near Nabi’s home in Koil, Pulwama. The phone had reportedly been handed over to his brother, Zahoor Illahi, with instructions to dispose of it if any “news” about Nabi surfaced. After Illahi’s detention, he informed authorities about the device, leading to the discovery of the clip.
Although no agency has formally confirmed recovering the video, officials familiar with the investigation said it is being assessed as potential evidence. They noted that the authenticity of the clip is still under examination, and several members of the alleged module are being questioned regarding why the footage was created and what role it played in the broader plot.
Progress in the Investigation and Arrests
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has concluded that Nabi carried out a vehicle-borne suicide attack using an explosive-laden Hyundai i20. His identity was confirmed through DNA samples matched with his mother, who, along with his two brothers, was detained following the verification. Investigators believe the attack was the result of a coordinated plan executed with the help of multiple accomplices.
Among the accused are Dr Muzammil Ganaie, Dr Shaheen Shahid and Dr Adeel Rather, who have been arrested. Officials suspect that Dr Muzzaffar, Rather’s brother, may be residing in Afghanistan and could have played a role in planning or facilitating the attack. Authorities are also searching for Dr Nissar ul-Hassan while continuing questioning of several doctors associated with institutions where the accused studied or worked.
The broader investigation suggests the possibility of a “white-collar” module that may have assisted in planning or ideological grooming. Forensic teams continue to analyse the retrieved data, while questioning seeks to uncover potential connections between the attackers and external groups or networks.
Political Fallout and Public Reactions
The ongoing political confrontation has overshadowed the investigative developments. BJP leaders insist the incident highlights an urgent need to confront radical ideologies and question the political rhetoric that may indirectly support them. Supporters of the ruling party argue that the opposition’s stance downplays the seriousness of extremism.
On the other hand, critics accuse the BJP of weaponising a national security incident for political gain. They argue that premature allegations can distort public perception and distract from the effort to determine the full scope of the attack. Civil society observers have expressed concern about the rising trend of using security incidents to settle political scores.
As both sides continue exchanging sharp statements, public responses remain mixed. Many citizens are focused on the safety implications of the blast and the disturbing message in the alleged video, while others express fatigue over political blame games overshadowing important investigative facts.
Conclusion: A Debate Far From Over
The emergence of the controversial video has triggered a political confrontation that shows no signs of slowing down. While investigators continue to piece together the facts behind the Red Fort blast, the political narrative surrounding the incident grows more complex each day.
The core issue now extends beyond the attack itself to broader questions about radicalisation, political responsibility and the framing of national security issues. Whether the debate leads to constructive action or contributes to further polarisation remains to be seen.
As India watches closely, the unfolding developments promise to keep this story in the national spotlight for weeks to come.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
