The political arena witnessed a sharp exchange between Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during a debate on Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha. The core of the disagreement stemmed from Gandhi's questioning of the government's "political will" in executing strikes against Pakistan during the military operation, which followed a terror attack in Pahalgam. Rijiju countered Gandhi's remarks by invoking the 1971 war, in what appears to be a comparison of the political resolve demonstrated during that era with the present situation.
Rahul Gandhi, in his address, alleged that the government had constrained the armed forces during Operation Sindoor, preventing them from targeting Pakistani military installations. He referenced a statement from a defense attache, suggesting that aircraft losses occurred due to governmental restrictions on the pilots' freedom of maneuver. Gandhi argued that while the operation was initiated, the necessary "political will" to fully engage the enemy was lacking.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, responding to the debate, asserted that the government had provided the armed forces with complete autonomy to decide the timing, location, and execution of the operation. This contradicted Gandhi's claims of restricted military action and a deficiency in political resolve.
Rijiju escalated the confrontation by accusing Gandhi of echoing Pakistan's propaganda and speaking against the nation. He questioned Gandhi's intentions behind criticizing Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy, emphasizing that the opposition also has a responsibility to contribute positively to the country. Rijiju further suggested that Gandhi should refrain from making "anti-national" statements and highlighted the importance of unity on matters of foreign policy.
The Union Minister's "1971" reference is interpreted as a pointed reminder of the decisive political will displayed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the creation of Bangladesh. Congress MP Manoj Kumar alluded to this, questioning why the current government seemingly allowed the U.S. to dictate terms when Indira Gandhi had resisted similar pressure in 1971. This comparison underscores the Congress party's view that the Modi government's foreign policy lacks the strength and independence of previous administrations.
The backdrop to this political clash includes the ongoing debate surrounding Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians and tourists. The operation involved targeting terror camps operating from Pakistan, leading to a ceasefire after Pakistan purportedly requested it. The opposition has raised concerns about the government's handling of the situation, including the alleged role of the U.S. in brokering the ceasefire and the extent of support received from other countries.
Furthermore, Rijiju has previously criticized Gandhi for questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process and undermining institutions. He accused Gandhi of blaming others for his own failures and damaging the credibility of the system. These remarks reflect the broader political narrative of the ruling BJP, which accuses the opposition of discrediting institutions and failing to accept electoral verdicts.
