Synopsis: Congress intensified its attack on EAM S Jaishankar on May 19, 2025, labeling the BJP “Sindoor ka saudagar” over Operation Sindoor, despite MEA’s fact-check refuting Rahul Gandhi’s claims.
New Delhi: On May 19, 2025, Congress escalated its criticism of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, with Rahul Gandhi calling it a “crime” that India informed Pakistan during the initial phase of Operation Sindoor, a military strike targeting terror bases in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam attack. Congress leader Pawan Khera, in a press conference, dubbed the BJP “Sindoor ka saudagar,” accusing the government of compromising national security by allegedly pre-warning Pakistan, a claim the MEA has dismissed as a misrepresentation.
Congress’s Allegations and MEA’s Rebuttal: Rahul Gandhi, citing a video of Jaishankar, claimed the forewarning allowed terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to escape, questioning how many Indian aircraft were lost due to this “crime.” Pawan Khera echoed this, alleging the move endangered Indian forces. However, the MEA clarified that Jaishankar’s statement referred to a warning issued in the early phase of Operation Sindoor, not before its launch, as claimed. The Press Information Bureau’s Fact-Check Unit had earlier flagged similar social media claims as misleading, and the MEA labeled Gandhi’s assertions an “utter misrepresentation of facts.”
BJP’s Counterattack and National Security Debate: The BJP hit back, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accusing Gandhi of disrespecting the armed forces by questioning asset losses, which the IAF and MEA confirmed did not occur. BJP’s Amit Malviya called Gandhi’s remarks “sinister,” while Aparna Bisht Yadav questioned Congress’s loyalty, asking if the party favored India or Pakistan. The controversy has sparked a broader debate on national security, with Congress insisting on transparency and the BJP emphasizing unity during such operations, citing the DGMO’s May 11 briefing that clarified communication attempts with Pakistan post-operation.
Public Reaction and Political Implications: Public sentiment on X reflects a polarized response, with some users supporting Congress’s call for accountability, while others accuse the party of politicizing a sensitive issue. Political analysts suggest this row could impact upcoming state elections, as national security remains a key voter concern. The controversy has also strained Opposition unity, with parties like TMC distancing themselves from Congress’s stance, highlighting the challenge of balancing critique with national interest in times of heightened tension.
Conclusion: The “Sindoor ka saudagar” controversy underscores deep political divides over Operation Sindoor, with Congress’s claims refuted by the MEA, fueling tensions over national security narratives.
