Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has come under fierce attack from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies following his questioning of the government over the number of Indian planes reportedly "lost" during Operation Sindoor.
On Monday, Gandhi used social media site X to post, "EAM Jaishankar's silence on 'informing' Pakistan isn't merely telling -- it is damning. So I'll repeat myself: How many Indian aircraft did we lose since Pakistan knew? This was not an oversight. It was a crime. And the country needs to know."
This declaration, which came after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that India had issued a warning to Pakistan before initiating the operation, gave rise to a sharp political backlash. The Congress charged that the government had committed not only a strategic blunder but an "unpardonable crime," charges that were strongly denied by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Reacting strongly, BJP national spokesman Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said to IANS, "These people are functioning as proxy proponents of Pakistani propaganda. Sometimes he questions on the Parliamentary proceedings, sometimes on the Constitution, and now he is targeting the armed forces. This is in very bad taste."
Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam also criticized Gandhi, saying, "The whole world has seen the firm and effective reaction of our defense forces against Pakistan. But Rahul Gandhi has gone on to criticize the Indian Army."
He added, "Initially, he tried to mask his intentions by claiming the Opposition supports the government. But his true colors are now clear. As Leader of Opposition, he should refrain from politicising such matters and instead acknowledge our forces. Questioning the Indian Army is completely unacceptable."
Kadam further asserted, "Any criticism of our Indian Army is tantamount to siding with Pakistan."
Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar was also part of the chorus of criticism, telling IANS, "With Rahul Gandhi, it is not merely about Operation Sindoor. Whenever he goes abroad, he puts India on the defensive. This appears to be a trend. He should rethink his actions, and Congress should introspect seriously."
Seconding such thoughts, UP Minister Danish Azad Ansari doubted Congress's intentions. "What does Congress want to prove? In opposition to BJP, it now seems to be in opposition to India too. Indian soldiers' valor is being cheered across the world. Major world powers acknowledge the might of our forces," he stated.
"These soldiers have earned unprecedented pride and glory for the country. At this juncture, the remarks of Congress leaders amply demonstrate that they act out of political selfishness," Ansari said.
"Ironically, Rahul Gandhi is asking for evidence of our army's bravery if he is not placing national interest above all else. Selfish political motivation of Congress leadership is unacceptable in a powerful and prosperous India," he said.
As this political row gathers steam, the Congress party remains steadfast in its demand for transparency and accountability in issues of national security, while the BJP argues that probing the actions of the military would be tantamount to acquiescing in Pakistan's narrative.
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