Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 10: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has dismissed the Opposition’s claim that the Indian Air Force was restricted during Operation Sindoor, prompting sharp attacks from the BJP against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

During the Lok Sabha debate, Mr Gandhi alleged that the Centre barred the IAF from striking Pakistan’s air defence systems, saying it had “tied their hands”.

Addressing a lecture yesterday, the Air Force Chief said political will was a key factor in the operation’s success, launched to avenge the killing of 26 civilians in Pahalgam. “There were no restrictions on us. Full freedom was given to plan and execute,” he said, adding that six Pakistani aircraft were shot down. He stressed that any operational limits were self-imposed by the forces to control escalation.

BJP leaders hit back, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accusing Mr Gandhi of “lying” and damaging India’s reputation. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said the remarks “should put Congress to shame” and accused its leaders of peddling Pakistan-origin disinformation. BJP’s Amit Malviya said the revelation left Congress and Pakistani media in “deathly silence”.