Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again stirred political debate by questioning External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s silence regarding Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military action against terror infrastructure in Pakistan. His remarks have sparked a heated exchange between the opposition and the ruling BJP, with both sides presenting contrasting narratives on the issue.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations
Rahul Gandhi went on social media and called for explanations from Jaishankar, questioning, "How many Indian planes did we lose because Pakistan knew?" He accused the government of betraying national security by apparently having tipped off Pakistan beforehand about the strikes. Gandhi called this "a crime" instead of a blunder, claiming that the country has the right to know.
His complaint is based on a comment by Jaishankar, in which the minister apparently confirmed that India had given Pakistan a message at the beginning of the operation, making it clear that the strikes were targeted at terrorist infrastructure, not at the Pakistani armed forces. Gandhi has taken this as a pre-emptive warning that might have resulted in losses for the Indian Air Force.
BJP's Response
The BJP swiftly responded to Gandhi’s allegations, dismissing them as “sinister” and accusing him of “speaking the language of Pakistan”. Party leaders have defended Jaishankar, arguing that the government’s communication with Pakistan was a strategic move to prevent escalation and ensure that the operation remained focused on eliminating terror camps.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also released a clarification that the warning was issued "in the early phase after Operation Sindoor's launch" and not prior to the start of the strikes. The MEA blamed Gandhi for "misrepresenting facts" to generate political controversy.
The Larger Debate
This exchange has reignited discussions on national security, transparency, and political accountability. While Gandhi’s supporters argue that the government must provide clear answers regarding potential losses suffered by the Indian Air Force, BJP leaders maintain that such accusations undermine India’s strategic interests.
The controversy also brings into question the position of political rhetoric in military campaigns. Is it proper for opposition leaders to publicly question the government on delicate security issues, or does scrutiny play a necessary role within a democracy?
Conclusion
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have added fuel to an already intense political climate, with the BJP countering his claims aggressively. As the debate unfolds, the nation watches closely to see whether further clarifications or disclosures will emerge regarding Operation Sindoor.
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