During a high-voltage debate in the Lok Sabha on Operation Sindoor, Congress leader and Opposition Chief Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He accused Modi of lacking the courage to contradict former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions that he had intervened to bring about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
A Direct Challenge in Parliament
Rahul Gandhi criticized PM Modi for not openly rejecting Trump’s claim that he played a role in brokering peace between India and Pakistan. Trump has claimed on 29 different occasions that he facilitated a ceasefire during the recent conflict between the two nations.
Gandhi dared the Prime Minister to make a clear statement in Parliament, saying, “If Modi ji has even half the courage of Indira Gandhi, let him publicly declare that Donald Trump is lying.”
He argued that Modi’s continued silence may stem from fear that Trump could reveal sensitive truths about diplomatic interactions, especially those involving the United States.
Image Over Strategy?
Rahul Gandhi went on to say that Operation Sindoor appeared more focused on protecting the Prime Minister’s public image than on asserting India’s military strength. He accused the government of limiting the armed forces’ operational freedom, which, according to him, led to the unnecessary loss of Indian fighter aircraft.
He remarked, “The jets went down because the political leadership restricted the actions of our pilots.”
He compared the current government’s handling of military operations to that of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the 1971 war, suggesting that today’s leadership lacked the same political resolve. He warned that such hesitation could repeat past strategic mistakes and weaken India’s deterrence capability.
Concerns Over Foreign Relations
Gandhi also raised concerns over the government’s foreign policy, particularly the omission of any mention of China in PM Modi’s speech. He stressed the growing coordination between Chinese and Pakistani intelligence agencies and cautioned against the formation of a stronger China-Pakistan alliance that could endanger India’s strategic interests.
Additionally, he pointed out that no foreign country had condemned Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. He called this a clear indication of India’s declining diplomatic influence.
Sharpening the Political Tone
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera intensified the criticism, likening Trump’s influence over Modi to that of a snake tightly coiled around him. He also claimed that the Prime Minister avoided responding to Gandhi’s questions, displaying an unwillingness to accept critical feedback.
Both Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called upon Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to clearly state that Trump’s statements were false. According to Rahul, Trump’s claims were meant to pressure India into making concessions during trade discussions.
PM Modi Responds
In defense, PM Modi asserted that Operation Sindoor was conducted based on India’s internal decisions and without any external influence. He maintained that no foreign leader had advised India to halt the operation, and framed the opposition’s allegations as a disservice to the country’s armed forces and strategic autonomy.
Supporting the Prime Minister, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah outlined how the government retaliated against terror threats through Operation Mahadev. They highlighted the interception of nearly 1,000 Pakistani drones and missiles on May 9 as proof of India’s defensive capabilities.
What Lies Ahead
- Accountability and Credibility: Rahul Gandhi’s call for a public rebuttal challenges the government to demonstrate transparency and stand firm on diplomatic integrity.
- Clarity in Foreign Policy: The omission of China and the lack of a strong stance on Trump’s comments raise important questions about India’s regional and global positioning.
- Political Implications: This confrontation is set to become a central issue in upcoming political contests, as both parties seek to portray themselves as the true guardians of India’s sovereignty and national pride.
More Stories
Shreyas Iyer’s Condition Sparks Concern: Internal Bleeding, ICU Stay After Freak Fielding Injury in Sydney
U.S. Congress Warns Trump: Tariffs on India Risk Strategic Partnership
Under‑Construction Tower Collapses in Chennai, Nine Missing After Disaster