Kalaburagi (Karnataka) [India], May 21: BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, on Wednesday came down heavily on Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his critical remarks on Operation Sindoor, calling them “unwarranted” and dismissive of the armed forces’ valour.
Narayanaswamy said:
“Mallikarjun Kharge is a very senior leader, yet he is making such unwanted remarks. More than 100 terrorists have been killed by our armed forces. Our government and military officials have clearly explained how Operation Sindoor was executed, yet Congress continues to question their actions.”
Kharge had earlier described Operation Sindoor as a “small war” and accused the Centre of failing to provide clarity over US mediation claims between India and Pakistan. He also questioned the government’s intelligence preparedness before the Pahalgam terror attack, asking why tourists in the area were not alerted despite prior inputs.
The remarks were made during the Samarpana Sankalpa Samavesh rally in Vijayanagara, Karnataka, and sparked criticism across the political spectrum.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy also rebuked Kharge, stating that calling the operation a “small war” was an insult to the courage and strategic strength of Indian forces.
“It is baffling that Congress leaders are upset when the world is praising India’s counter-terrorism efforts,” Reddy said, accusing Kharge of diminishing the sacrifices of soldiers.
Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, was a retaliatory mission following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. The Indian military targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists. A ceasefire agreement between the two countries was reached on May 10.
The ongoing political spat highlights the growing divide over national security strategy and transparency, with the BJP accusing the Congress of undermining military efforts, while the Congress demands accountability and parliamentary debate on the broader geopolitical implications of Operation Sindoor.