Former governor of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Satya Pal Malik, has branded Modi as a “coward,” claiming that even if Pakistan were to withdraw its troops from the borders, Modi would still lack the courage to launch an attack.

In an explosive interview with senior journalist Karan Thapar for The Wire, Malik criticised the Modi government’s response to the recent Pahalgam attack, questioning the absence of security despite the area’s usual influx of around 2,000 tourists. “Modi should have apologised to the nation,” he said, pointing out a complete security lapse.

Malik ridiculed the BJP-led government’s security meetings, saying, “They are mere gatherings for food and gossip.” He slammed Indian Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly using such meetings to further political goals rather than focusing on actual security concerns.

Taking direct aim at Modi’s leadership style, Malik said, “He lacks the courage to make critical decisions himself and instead shifts responsibility onto security forces.” He added that in any potential conflict with Pakistan, no general would willingly take the blame for a failed operation, exposing a deeper weakness in India’s civil-military decision-making structure.

Malik also accused the BJP of exploiting Hindu-Muslim hatred for political gain, reinforcing the view that communal polarisation has become the party’s main electoral strategy.

Interestingly, he revealed that a Pakistani minister had once sarcastically said, “Remove troops from this side of the border and let them come,” implying full confidence that even then, India would not act militarily—underscoring what Malik called the international perception of Modi’s hesitation.

Malik’s remarks come at a time when tensions remain high between India and Pakistan, with Islamabad repeatedly denying involvement in the Pahalgam incident and urging de-escalation. His candid interview has further fueled the debate on the Modi government’s handling of national security and its political motivations.