May 20, 2025: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge over their remarks regarding India’s recent military action against Pakistan, Operation Sindoor. Patra alleged that Pakistan had used videos of Congress leaders’ comments to undermine India’s narrative following the operation, claiming such statements gave “oxygen to Pakistan.”
During his statement to ANI, Patra referred to comments made by Kharge, who downplayed Operation Sindoor as a “small war,” and accused Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly demanding proof of the military operation’s success. Patra stated, “Our Armed Forces entered Pakistan, struck nine terror sites, and killed more than 100 terrorists. In retaliation, Pakistan suffered damage to 11 of its airbases. Yet, Congress is questioning our Armed Forces’ courage.”
He also claimed that Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and chief of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah, had previously praised Congress in an interview. “This is why Hafiz likes Rahul Gandhi,” Patra alleged, accusing the Congress party of indirectly aiding Pakistan’s propaganda efforts.
He further claimed that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) showcased videos of Congress leaders in an attempt to discredit India’s position.
Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, including a Nepali national. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), reportedly eliminating nearly 100 terror operatives. A ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan was announced on May 10.
Kharge Blames Government for Pahalgam Attack
Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, while addressing a rally in Karnataka, blamed the Modi government for security lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack. He alleged that intelligence inputs had warned of threats, but tourists were not alerted.
“The PM cancelled his Kashmir visit based on intelligence reports, but the public was not warned. Twenty-six lives could have been saved,” Kharge said. He accused the government of prioritising the Prime Minister’s security over that of ordinary citizens and alleged that Pakistan, despite its weakened state, managed to execute the attack with support from China.
Kharge reiterated that the opposition stands united on national security but demanded accountability for the government’s failure to prevent the attack.