Rahul Gandhi Critiques Modi's Leadership During Operation Sindoor: A Call for Military Freedom

In a recent Lok Sabha session, Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of limiting the Armed Forces' operational freedom during Operation Sindoor. He emphasized the need for full political support for the military, drawing comparisons to the 1971 war under Indira Gandhi. Gandhi's remarks included criticism of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statements about the operation's duration and the political constraints faced by the military. He also raised concerns about the growing military ties between China and Pakistan and challenged PM Modi to refute U.S. President Trump's claims regarding the ceasefire. This address has sparked significant discussion about military strategy and political accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2025, 19:48 IST

Rahul Gandhi's Strong Critique in Lok Sabha

New Delhi: In a pointed speech delivered in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly restricting the Armed Forces' operational capabilities during Operation Sindoor.

During the parliamentary debate regarding Operation Sindoor, Gandhi remarked, “Our soldiers are like tigers, but you cannot confine a tiger and expect it to perform. The Army requires complete political backing and the freedom to act, similar to what was granted in 1971 under Indira Gandhi.”

He drew parallels between the 1971 conflict and Operation Sindoor, recalling how Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw requested six months for preparations for the Bangladesh Liberation War, a request that Indira Gandhi honored, showcasing genuine political resolve. “One lakh Pakistani soldiers surrendered. That was the outcome of true political support,” he stated.

Gandhi also took issue with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's assertion that Operation Sindoor lasted only 22 minutes, emphasizing that India promptly informed Pakistan that only non-military targets were struck and that escalation was not intended. “You communicated your limitations to Pakistan, indicating a lack of political will to target military sites. Essentially, you surrendered within half an hour,” he charged.

He referenced comments from Captain Shiv Kumar, India's Defence Attaché to Indonesia, who suggested that political limitations affected the operation. “The Air Force did not err; the political leadership did. Their hands were tied,” Gandhi remarked.

Notably, Captain Shiv Kumar had previously stated, “I agree that we did lose some aircraft, which occurred due to the constraints imposed by political leadership not to engage military installations and their air defenses.”

Gandhi further asserted that the underlying purpose of Operation Sindoor was to safeguard PM Modi's international reputation, claiming, “The Prime Minister had blood on his hands after Pahalgam, and he utilized the Air Force to cleanse it.” He criticized External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, noting that no nation, including neighboring countries, condemned Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident. “Countries only condemned terrorism in general. This indicates that the world now sees India on par with Pakistan.”

He expressed alarm over the increasing military collaboration between China and Pakistan, highlighting shared intelligence and joint command operations in PLA regions. “Our foremost foreign policy challenge is to separate China and Pakistan, yet this government has allowed them to merge into a cohesive front,” he cautioned.

Addressing U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims of facilitating the ceasefire, Gandhi challenged PM Modi to publicly deny Trump's assertions regarding his role in Operation Sindoor's ceasefire. “If the Prime Minister possesses even half of Indira Gandhi's bravery, he should stand in Parliament and declare that Trump lied,” he urged.