BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday, accusing him of undermining national security and aligning with Pakistan’s narrative at a time when India is engaged in counter-terrorism operations under Operation Sindoor.

Bhatia, addressing the media, said, “At Rahul Gandhi's instructions, Mallikarjun Kharge said that Operation Sindoor is a small war. Looking at Congress's character and careless attitude, it is not wrong to say that if anyone is betraying India, then it is Rahul Gandhi.”

The criticism stems from Rahul Gandhi’s tweet questioning the number of aircraft lost during Operation Sindoor. Bhatia responded sharply, stating, “You can ask any question in an all-party meeting of the MEA briefing. Your questions can be answered... But such activities by Rahul Gandhi are not innocent. This cannot be neglected by calling it Rahul Gandhi's childlike, for which he is known.”

He added that Gandhi’s words have far-reaching consequences, especially during sensitive military operations. “When it is about the nation, every statement holds weight, and will be exposed if it causes harm to the country. Why has Rahul Gandhi started hating 140 crore Indians while hating PM Modi?” Bhatia asked.

Quoting Air Marshal Bharti’s press briefing on May 11, Bhatia pointed out that the Air Force had clearly stated, “We are in a combat scenario; it is not prudent for us to answer that question,” in response to queries about aircraft losses.

He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s statements appeared to be aiding Pakistan’s narrative, referencing a recent statement by Pakistani leader Maryam Nawaz, who admitted Pakistan suffered heavy losses on the nights of May 6 and 7, and again on May 9, due to India’s precision strikes.

“Today, a senior leader of Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz, gave a statement that on the night of May 6 and 7, and on May 9, Pakistan had to face a huge loss because of India's action... At such a time, what is LoP and 'Nishan-E-Pakistan' Rahul Gandhi saying?” Bhatia asked rhetorically.

The BJP has intensified its attack on the Congress leadership amid the ongoing fallout of Operation Sindoor, India’s multi-day offensive against cross-border terror infrastructure following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.