Bengaluru: Congress MLA from Kolar, Kothur G. Manjunath, has triggered a major political and public backlash after questioning the Indian government’s handling of ‘Operation Sindoor’, an army operation carried out in response to militant attacks. Speaking to the media in Kolar on Thursday, Manjunath accused the Centre of doing little more than “sending four flights” and claimed that the response failed to reflect the value of Indian lives particularly the 26 women who lost their husbands in the attacks.
“Is this the value of turmeric and vermilion worn by 26 women? The country has done nothing beyond sending four flights,” Manjunath said, referring to the government’s evacuation and response measures. “If women were not emotionally strong, they might have died of heartbreak. This is not justice. Every inch, from the border to their base, should have been attacked.”
Manjunath went on to criticize the army’s preparedness, questioning what role the military played during the attack and asking why there wasn’t a more forceful retaliation.
“They claim a large number of terrorists were neutralized under Operation Sindoor, but where is the proof? Apart from media reports, we haven’t seen any concrete evidence,” he said.
The MLA also expressed dissatisfaction over what he termed a “lackluster and ineffective” military response, stating that India missed a major opportunity to uproot terrorism.
Controversial Comparisons with Israel and Russia
In a statement that has further inflamed the controversy, Manjunath suggested that India should learn from countries like Israel and Russia in dealing with threats.
“You (BJP-led central government) talk about ceasefires. Look at Israel — they don’t listen to anyone. Look how Russia destroyed Ukraine. But here, when terrorists strike and kill our men in front of their wives, what do we do? Nothing meaningful,” he alleged.
He added, “If even a single American citizen had been harmed, the U.S. wouldn’t have spared anyone. Why can’t we bring back the terrorists and hand them over to the women they made widows?”
Public and Political Outrage
Manjunath’s remarks have drawn widespread condemnation, with critics accusing him of disrespecting the armed forces and politicizing national security. BJP leaders have demanded an apology and called his statements “insensitive and inflammatory.”
While the Congress party has not officially commented on his remarks, political observers expect mounting pressure on the party to distance itself or issue clarification, especially as national sentiment over soldier deaths remains a highly sensitive matter.
The comments have sparked a renewed debate on how India should handle cross-border terrorism and retaliatory operations, but they have also highlighted the fine line between critique and national responsibility.
BJP Supporters Slam Congress: “Nation in India, Heart in Pakistan”
In a strongly worded post on X, a prominent BJP leaders , netizens lashed out at the Congress, stating:
“Instead of condemning the demonic terror attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam, and standing with our armed forces, the Congress is busy criticizing the army and Prime Minister Modi. Shameful!”
The post continued with a stinging rebuke:
“Is the Congress a political party of India or a mouthpiece of enemy nations? Its DNA is something it needs to clarify — Indian or Pakistani?”
The post did not stop at current events but extended the criticism to the history of Congress in the context of India’s Partition, suggesting that the party’s mindset has remained “Pakistan-centric” even 75 years after independence.
“Send Manjunath to Pakistan,” Says Angry Post
Further attacking Kothur Manjunath’s questioning of the operation’s scale and outcomes, the post mockingly suggested:
“If Manjunath wants to see the full might of Operation Sindoor, let’s send him to Pakistan. Let him witness the valor of Indian soldiers firsthand. Will you go, Mr. Manjunath?”
The post also accused the MLA of winning elections with fake caste certificates and labeled him a “venomous Congressman”, unfit to speak on national matters.
Targeting Senior Congress Leadership
The online outrage didn’t spare national leaders either, with mentions of Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and other Karnataka Congress figures. The post alleged that the “so-called leaders” are more interested in defaming India than defending it:
“Looking at the gems in Congress after Operation Sindoor, one wonders which country they are loyal to.”
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