Latest news with #MallikarjunKharge
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Op Sindoor should not be used to derive political mileage
The political class will do better if it stops desisting from trying to derive electoral mileage from the highly successful Operation Sindoor that was executed recently. The military aspects of the operation have been largely praised (even by objective western experts), but the political aftermath has proven far more complex. The ruling party has come under scrutiny for allegedly using the operation's success to enhance its nationalistic image ostensibly for electoral gains. On its part, the Opposition has done little better. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for a special parliamentary session to discuss the operation in detail. He raised concerns about inconsistencies in official narratives, particularly surrounding reports regarding the number of Indian aircraft lost during the strikes. He also accused the government of 'misleading the nation.' His statement came after the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan acknowledged the loss of some Indian aircraft but emphasised that the armed forces had adapted quickly to changing tactical scenarios, ultimately achieving the mission objectives. Chauhan categorically refuted Pakistan's assertions of shooting down multiple Indian jets, labelling them as propaganda meant to distort facts. His remarks highlighted the critical role of clear and truthful communication in sustaining public trust and countering misinformation. The political discourse triggered by Operation Sindoor reflects a broader tension between safeguarding national security and navigating partisan interests. While it is natural for political parties to discuss significant national developments, it is imperative that such dialogues remain constructive and rooted in the national interest. Exploiting military operations for electoral advantage not only undermines the integrity of the armed forces but also erodes public confidence in the nation's democratic institutions. As India continues to assess the long-term implications of Operation Sindoor, there is a pressing need for political maturity and a unified stance on issues of national security. Recognising and honouring the courage and competence of the armed forces should transcend political divides. National security must remain above the realm of party politics, treated with the seriousness and dignity it deserves. Also, our political leaders must come to terms with a sobering reality: Operation Sindoor, while tactically successful and symbolically significant, was not a war that we won—nor even a full-scale battle. At best, it was a well-executed skirmish, a calibrated military response to the horrifying Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives. Its importance lies not in territorial gains or dramatic military victories, but in the message it has sent loud and clear-Pakistan will have to pay a heavy price for supporting and harbouring terrorist outfits. Precision strikes on terrorist camps disrupted their operations and showcased India's strategic capabilities. However, this operation must not be mistaken for closure. The war on terror is a long and evolving struggle, requiring constant vigilance, strategic foresight, and, above all, national unity. True victory will come not with a single strike, but through sustained efforts to dismantle the networks of extremism to be assured of lasting peace and security. Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India's strategic capability and resolve in the face of terrorism. However, its legacy will be defined not just by military precision but by the manner the nation's political leadership chooses to engage with it. By fostering transparency, encouraging responsible dialogue, and prioritising unity, India can ensure that such operations serve their true purpose—protection and security of all its citizens.
New Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
After CDS' Operation Sindoor revelations, Congress raises pitch for special parliament session
NEW DELHI: A day after the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan's revelations on India's loss during the India-Pak conflict, the Congress on Sunday reiterated its demand for an immediate special session of Parliament. They noted that even Pakistan has convened its Parliament to discuss the developments. The Congress also demanded that the government take all parties and the nation into confidence and discuss India's defence preparedness and foreign policy strategy after Operation Sindoor. Citing the example of restraint shown in Pakistan's Parliament during recent tensions between India and Pakistan, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the entire nation supports the armed forces and called for unity on issues concerning national security. 'When the clashes broke out between India and Pakistan, a discussion started in Pakistan's Parliament not to speak anything against the country. So long as there is an army, we all are safe. That's why we support the armed forces,' he said.
India Gazette
20 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Congress conspiring with Pakistan: Uttar Pradesh Dy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya
Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 1 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya slammed Congress, accusing it of demoralising the army and stating that it would have to pay a political price for the act. 'Congress is conspiring with Pakistan... From surgical strikes to 'Operation Sindoor', the statements of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge have hurt the sentiments of 140 crore people of the country,' Maurya told ANI on Sunday. 'This is the language that demoralises the army, and they do not realise that they will have to pay such a huge political price for using this language... It is our and our army's resolve that Operation Sindoor is not over yet,' he added. Meanwhile, Malook Nagar of Rashtriya Lok Dal has criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other Opposition leaders for repeatedly questioning the government over the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. Nagar asked why the Opposition continues to raise questions related to Pakistan, and suggested that they should focus on the country as a whole instead. Nagar criticised Kharge for seeking clarity on US President Donald Trump's claim of brokering the cessation of hostilities, saying, 'The Opposition should prioritise national interests over Pakistan-specific queries.' 'The Pakistani Minister is crying about India destroying their camps, and the political leaders of India are questioning the mission's objectives.' Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday demanded a special session of Parliament concerning Operation Sindoor, alleging that the government had 'misled the nation' and instead of clarifying US President Donald Trump's assertions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'is on an election blitz, taking personal credit for the valour of the armed forces.' In a post on X, Kharge referred to remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff during an interview and demanded an independent expert committee's comprehensive review of the country's defence preparedness. Nagar defended Operation Sindoor, questioning AAP Leader Sanjay Singh's comments that allegedly insulted the mission's objective. 'Why does he keep repeating the same questions and insulting the mission? Love for the country should be the priority, not political power.', Nagar said. (ANI)
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Leaders slam Kharge over remarks on Operation Sindoor
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks on Operation Sindoor and India's defence preparedness have sparked a political storm, drawing sharp reactions from leaders across party lines. Kharge, while demanding a special session of Parliament to review India's defence capabilities, also called for an independent assessment similar to the Kargil Review Committee in light of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan's recent comments in Singapore. Reacting strongly, BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh accused Kharge of undermining the national interest. 'The statement made by the CDS is about a procedure, that the procedure is going slowly. But the mindset of these Congress leaders has always been against the nation. That's why they make such statements,' he said. RLD leader Malook Nagar accused the Congress of echoing narratives used by hostile nations. 'It is the job of Congress to say something if there's nothing else, at least say something. What exactly do you want to ask? Since April 22, all the questions you've asked are the same questions Pakistan asks. Whenever you ask questions, they become breaking news in Pakistan and appear as headlines in their newspapers,' Nagar said, adding, 'Now you have all the answers. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has gone to various countries around the world, crying and complaining. They have damaged our facilities repeatedly.' Spiritual leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam also expressed disappointment over Kharge's statement. 'Mallikarjun Kharge is a very senior leader of the Congress, but he is making childish remarks. He should stand with India. He should not make a joke about the Rafale crash, Rafale is a symbol of our national pride,' he said. Kharge's comments came after General Anil Chauhan categorically dismissed Pakistan's claims in an international interview, stating they were 'absolutely incorrect'. The Congress chief, however, questioned India's defence preparedness and called for accountability. Earlier, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, had emphasised that 'losses are a part of combat', and assured the nation that all Indian Air Force pilots involved had returned safely.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"There is nothing to hide, and we are fully prepared to respond every question," Gajendra Shekhawat responds to Kharge's remarks
Jodhpur (Rajasthan) [India], June 1 (ANI): Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat responded to questions regarding Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's recent criticism of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. 'Every Parliament session--be it monsoon or any other--provides a platform for elected representatives to ask questions and express their views in both Houses. Our democratic system has proper mechanisms in place for this. There is nothing to hide, and we are fully prepared to respond to every question, every concern,' the minister said. He further said, 'Sometimes it's amusing to hear the statements of leaders, both senior and junior. When Prime Minister Modi speaks, Congress leaders come together and say he speaks too much. When he doesn't speak, they question his silence. What exactly do they want to hear from the Prime Minister?... In the last three days alone, PM Modi has extensively addressed the current situation of the country, Operation Sindoor, and several other key issues from three different corners of India. If it's about speaking, the Prime Minister has already done so in detail. And with the Parliament session scheduled to begin soon, there will definitely be much more to hear and understand.' On Saturday, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge demanded a special session of Parliament concerning Operation Sindoor, alleging that government had 'misled the nation' and instead of clarifying US President Donald Trump's assertions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'is on an election blitz, taking personal credit for the valour of the Armed Forces'. In a post on X, Kharge referred to remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff during an interview and demanded a comprehensive review of the country's defence preparedness by an independent expert committee. 'In the wake of the remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in Singapore in an interview, there are some very important questions which need to be asked. These can only be asked if a Special Session of the Parliament is immediately convened. The Modi Govt has misled the nation. The fog of war is now clearing,' Kharge said. 'Our IAF pilots were risking their lives fighting the enemy. We have suffered some losses, but our pilots were safe. As per CDS's interview, 'we made, remedy it, rectify it, and then implement it again after two days and flew all our jets again, targeting at long range'. We salute their resolute courage and bravery. However, a comprehensive strategic review is the need of the hour. Congress party demands a Comprehensive Review of our Defence Preparedness by an independent expert committee, on the lines of the Kargil Review Committee,' he said. (ANI)
