Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has strongly criticized Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his remarks concerning "Operation Sindoor," stating that "there is a limit to lying". This rebuke follows Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh's public clarification that the Indian Air Force (IAF) faced no restrictions during the operation.
Gandhi, during a parliamentary debate on "Operation Sindoor," alleged that the central government had instructed the IAF not to target Pakistan's air defense systems. These claims were swiftly countered by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who accused Gandhi of echoing a Pakistani narrative and undermining the armed forces.
Air Chief Marshal Singh, in a recent lecture, refuted Gandhi's assertions, emphasizing that the success of "Operation Sindoor" was largely due to the government's clear political will and the complete freedom granted to the forces. He stated explicitly, "There were no, I repeat, no restrictions on us," adding that the forces determined their own rules of engagement and escalation control. He also confirmed that six Pakistani aircraft were shot down during the operation.
Rijiju urged Gandhi to maintain decorum in Parliament, stating that he had not only lowered his own stature but also damaged India's reputation. BJP leaders circulated videos of Singh's remarks online to further refute Gandhi's allegations. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also criticized the Congress party for its claims about India's losses and alleged disinformation campaigns against the Modi government. Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya noted a "deathly silence" in both Congress and Pakistani media following the Air Chief Marshal's disclosure.
"Operation Sindoor" was launched on May 7 as a military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The operation has been described as demonstrating India's advanced defense capabilities, indigenous strength, and synergy of the Indian defense forces. According to US warfare expert John Spencer, "Operation Sindoor" was full of surprises, including those unexpected in clashes between two advanced militaries. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has stated the operation successfully addressed the "ghost of Balakot".