A recent statement by India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has sparked intense political, social, and intellectual debate across the country, after his words about “taking revenge for history” at a public event went viral on social media, there was a strong reaction from the opposition, journalists, and intellectuals, while the ruling BJP and its supporters are seen standing in his defence.
Ajit Doval, while addressing the ‘Developed India Young Leaders Dialogue 2026’ on Saturday, said, “History challenges us; every youth should have that fire within them. Revenge is not a nice word, but revenge itself is a power. We have to take revenge for our history.”
He said that India has always been a great civilization, but the nation had to pay a heavy price due to neglecting security in the past. According to him, “Our villages were burnt, our civilization was destroyed, our temples were looted, and we remained silent spectators. This history challenges us.”
Ajit Doval’s statement has been strongly criticized by the opposition parties. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti termed the statement “deplorable” and said that it is dangerous for a high-ranking state official to use such language.
Mehbooba Mufti wrote on social media platform X that “It is extremely unfortunate that the person responsible for national security is promoting hateful communal thinking, which may eventually normalize violence against Muslims.” She added that “talking about taking revenge for centuries-old incidents in the 21st century is actually tantamount to inciting poor and illiterate youth against minorities, who are already insecure.”
Senior journalist and author Tulin Singh sarcastically raised the question, “If history is to be avenged, which country should be attacked first? Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, or Turkey?”
Suhasini Haider, diplomatic affairs editor of The Hindu, also questioned whether the National Security Advisor was really hinting at any practical strategy for revenge. Delhi University professor and Congress leader Dr. Ratan Lal said that if these statements are true, then the first to sacrifice should be Doval’s family members themselves.
Congress national spokesperson Dr. Shamma Mohammed demanded the resignation of NSA Doval, saying, “Those whose job is to protect the country are throwing the youth into the fire of revenge. First, the nation should be informed as to who is responsible for the Pulwama, Pahalgam, and Delhi attacks?”
On the other hand, Ajit Doval’s supporters say that his statement is being presented out of context. Defence analyst Nitin Gokhale said that forming an opinion without listening to the entire speech gives rise to misunderstandings. Professor Shirish Kashikar and Andhra Pradesh Minister Satyakumar Yadav also described Doval’s speech as inspiring, saying that he aimed to encourage the youth to play a positive role in nation-building, and not to promote hatred or violence.
According to analysts, Ajit Doval’s statement of “revenge of history” could deepen the already existing political and social divisions in India. Critics say that such statements not only open up the wounds of the past but can also lead to internal instability in the future.
It should be noted that Ajit Doval’s statement has once again raised the question in India as to what should be the limits of statements made in the name of national security, and whether the thought of revenge in the name of history will either move the country forward or push it towards more conflicts.
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