In a sharp political escalation following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, the Congress party has accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicising the country’s military response — Operation Sindoor — and announced a nationwide “Jai Hind” rally campaign across 15 cities.
After a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Thursday, party general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of turning the military operation into a political slogan. “We condemn the politicisation in the strongest terms. Operation Sindoor is not the brand of any one party. No single party has a monopoly on Operation Sindoor,” Ramesh said.
The high-level meeting, chaired by senior leader Rahul Gandhi in the absence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge, was attended by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, KC Venugopal, Sachin Pilot, and other top Congress figures.
The CWC passed a resolution questioning the apparent “intelligence failure” that allowed terrorists to strike in Pahalgam despite heightened tensions in the region. “Despite known threats, the terrorists managed to execute a major attack, claiming precious lives. While we wait for an official assessment, it is unfortunate that no accountability has yet been fixed,” the resolution read.
The Congress also raised concerns over the sudden and unexplained end to India’s retaliatory action. The resolution criticised the government's silence on US President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington had pressured New Delhi into a ceasefire.
“The sudden halt, without clarity or communication, has led to speculation and concern across the country. Adding to this is the deeply problematic statement by US President Donald Trump, who was the first to claim that a ceasefire was brokered with the use of trade threats and pressure on India,” the resolution said. “The government’s silence on this matter is inexplicable and unacceptable.”
Ramesh further added, “Why did President Trump first announce the ceasefire? The first announcement came from Washington, not New Delhi. The Prime Minister doesn’t give any clarification. (US Secretary of State) Marco Rubio proposed talks between India and Pakistan in a neutral venue — PM, EAM are silent.”
The Congress also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for meeting only NDA Chief Ministers instead of engaging with all state leaders during this national crisis.
“…Seeing the way Operation Sindoor is being openly politicised and especially being associated with one person, we have decided that Jai Hind rallies will be held in about 15 cities,” Ramesh announced, adding that senior Congress leaders will be part of the campaign.
In response, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi slammed the Congress for raising questions amid a sensitive operation. “In Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army has shown unmatched and unparalleled courage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has articulated India’s new, unequivocal policy on terrorism: blood and water cannot flow together, and any act of terror will be met with decisive retaliation,” he said.
“If the Opposition, including the Congress Party, claims to stand with the government, that commitment must be visible not just in words, but also in actions. Raising questions during an ongoing operation casts doubt on one’s intent. At a time when the nation must speak in one voice, such actions are not just inappropriate, they are irresponsible,” Trivedi added.
