The Congress party is demanding answers from the central government regarding the circumstances surrounding the ceasefire with Pakistan after Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025. The party's concerns encompass several key areas, including potential external pressure, the terms of the ceasefire, and the government's overall handling of the situation.
Several Congress leaders have voiced their concerns about the sudden halt to Operation Sindoor, particularly in light of claims that Indian forces were on the verge of entering Lahore. They question whether the government succumbed to external pressure to agree to a ceasefire, with some specifically pointing to the announcement of the ceasefire by former U.S. President Donald Trump before any official declaration from India. This has led to accusations that the government allowed a third party to mediate on Kashmir, potentially violating the Shimla Agreement.
Adding to the controversy, the Congress has seized upon remarks made by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan regarding the loss of fighter jets during the conflict. The party is questioning the government's transparency on the matter, particularly after initial denials of any losses. They are demanding clarity on the number of aircraft shot down, including Rafale fighters, and the circumstances surrounding these incidents. Telangana minister and Congress leader Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that General Chauhan confirmed that the Rafale aircraft was shot down and the government should not deny this.
Moreover, Congress leaders are questioning the timing of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's warning to Pakistan about India's intention to strike at terrorist bases. They argue that this early warning may have allowed terrorists to relocate, potentially undermining the effectiveness of Operation Sindoor. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has specifically asked why the external affairs minister alerted Pakistan at the start of the operation, giving them a chance to move to safer places and how much losses India suffered.
Salman Khurshid of the Congress stated that it was Pakistan that initiated contact during Operation Sindoor to “stop", and that the call for cessation of hostilities came from Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), to which India responded accordingly.
The Congress party is also demanding answers on the security failures that led to the Pahalgam terror attack. They are questioning how the terrorists managed to carry out the attack and where they disappeared afterward. They are asking how such a large quantity of RDX was brought to Pulwama in 2019.
In light of these concerns, the Congress is calling for a special session of Parliament to discuss the matter and provide clarity on the various aspects of Operation Sindoor and the subsequent ceasefire. They are positioning themselves as a watchdog, committed to holding the government accountable and ensuring that national interests are protected.
