Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 29: Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering critique of the government in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, accusing it of lacking political resolve and undermining the Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Joining the parliamentary debate, the Congress MP claimed that tactical setbacks during the operation were a direct result of political interference, alleging that the government imposed constraints on military action and rushed into a ceasefire.
“The Defence Minister compared Operation Sindoor to the 1971 war. Let me be clear—this government’s courage doesn’t even come close to what Congress showed under Indira Gandhi,” Gandhi declared.
Drawing historical parallels, he praised the 1971 war leadership, citing how then PM Indira Gandhi gave full operational freedom to General Manekshaw, leading to the decisive division of Pakistan.
In sharp contrast, Gandhi said the current leadership acted timidly, calling off the operation minutes after the first missile strikes.
“Rajnath Singh himself said the strike began at 1:05 AM and ended by 1:27 AM. By 1:35 AM, we were already on the phone with Pakistan assuring them of no further escalation. If that’s not a sign of weak political will, what is?” he asked.
Citing reports and official statements, Gandhi pointed to acknowledged losses, including the downing of Indian aircraft, and blamed the government’s decision to avoid military targets for the outcome.
He referenced remarks by Capt. Shiv Kumar, India’s Defence Attaché in Indonesia, and CDS Anil Chauhan, who reportedly admitted to “tactical losses” during the operation, allegedly due to political restrictions.
“Our forces were ready. They were capable. The problem was not on the battlefield—it was in the political corridors of Delhi,” Gandhi said.
Escalating his attack, the Congress leader accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using the operation for personal political mileage, amid mounting public anger over the terror attack.
He also challenged the Prime Minister to publicly refute claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said multiple times that he helped broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
“Trump has claimed credit for de-escalation 29 times. If the Prime Minister has the courage of Indira Gandhi, let him stand in this House and say Trump is lying,” Rahul Gandhi declared.
As debate over Operation Sindoor continues, Gandhi’s remarks have intensified the political heat, putting the government on the defensive and sharpening the focus on its handling of national security.