Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp counterattack on Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi after Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh credited the political leadership for giving “full freedom” to the armed forces during Operation Sindoor, a direct contradiction of Gandhi’s recent remarks in Parliament accusing the Modi government of “tying the hands” of IAF pilots.
Operation Sindoor was carried out in retaliation for the April Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. According to the IAF chief, the offensive was executed with no political or operational restrictions, destroying multiple Pakistani military assets, including six fighter aircraft.
Rahul Gandhi’s Parliament Remark
During a recent special discussion in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the government instructed IAF pilots to launch strikes while refraining from targeting Pakistani air defence systems.
“You told our pilots to go and attack and face the air defence system of Pakistan. Meaning, you tied their hands behind their back,” Gandhi said, accusing the government of compromising operational effectiveness.
IAF Chief’s Firm Denial
Speaking on Friday, Air Chief Marshal Singh decisively refuted the claim: “There was very clear political will, very clear directions, which were given to us. And there were no kind of restrictions which were put on us… I repeat, no restrictions. Full freedom was given to us to plan and execute.”
He further clarified that any limitations during the mission were “self-made” by the armed forces as part of their strategic rules of engagement.
BJP’s Political Offensive
The statement sparked immediate reactions from BJP leaders, who accused Rahul Gandhi of misleading the nation and undermining the armed forces.
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya posted on X (formerly Twitter): “There is a deathly silence in both the Congress and Pakistan media after Air Chief Marshal AP Singh revealed details of Pakistani fighter aircraft and military installations destroyed during #OperationSindoor. The timing is surreal, coming right after Rahul Gandhi made a complete fool of himself on the floor of Parliament.”
Malviya added that whatever “little credibility” Gandhi had was “now in tatters” and noted the symbolism of the clarification coming on Raksha Bandhan.
Other BJP Leaders Join In
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the IAF chief’s statement should “put the Congress party to shame,” accusing the party of peddling “Pak-originated disinformation campaigns” against the Modi government.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised Gandhi, urging him to uphold the dignity of the House:
“Why do you keep lying all the time? I have witnessed many Leaders of Opposition who have maintained Parliamentary standards. You have not only lowered your stature but damaged India’s high reputation.”
BJP leaders circulated video clips of the IAF chief’s remarks alongside Gandhi’s Parliament statement, framing it as evidence of the Congress leader’s “falsehoods.” With both the BJP and the armed forces leadership publicly refuting his claim, Rahul Gandhi faces renewed pressure to clarify or withdraw his remarks.
