Rahul Gandhi Targets S Jaishankar Over Operation Sindoor Disclosure
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reignited a political storm by accusing External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar of a “criminal lapse” during Operation Sindoor, India’s recent cross-border anti-terror offensive. Central to Gandhi’s charge is a video clip in which Dr. Jaishankar stated that Pakistan was informed during the initial stages of the operation that India was striking terror infrastructure, not military targets.
Gandhi’s critique was sharp and persistent. “Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime,” he posted on social media, tagging the EAM’s statement. He further asked, “Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our Air Force lose as a result?” Gandhi reposted the video later, adding, “This wasn’t a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth.”
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera amplified the allegation, branding the alleged disclosure not as diplomacy but as “espionage.” He also suggested that the forewarning may have enabled terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed to escape Indian strikes.
What Was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a decisive Indian counter-terror action, launched in the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The operation targeted terror camps across the border and was touted as a significant success by Indian defense forces.
The crux of the controversy lies in the interpretation of Dr. Jaishankar’s comments. According to Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, the minister admitted that Pakistan was forewarned before the operation began, allegedly compromising its effectiveness and national security.
BJP and Government Push Back: “Misrepresentation of Facts”
The government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have forcefully denied Gandhi’s allegations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that Dr. Jaishankar’s statement was being deliberately distorted. The message to Pakistan, they asserted, came after the commencement of Operation Sindoor, not before.
The MEA noted:
“EAM had stated that we had warned Pakistan at the start, which is clearly the early phase after Op Sindoor’s commencement. This is being falsely represented as being before the commencement.”
Backing the official stance, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Lt General Rajiv Ghai, stated that India attempted to communicate its intent “in the immediate wake” of the operation, but the Pakistani side rejected the outreach and warned of retaliation—something the Indian forces were prepared for.
Furthermore, PIB’s Fact Check unit flagged Gandhi’s interpretation as misinformation, urging the public to remain cautious of manipulated narratives.
Political Blame Game: Congress vs BJP
The BJP has seized upon Gandhi’s remarks as evidence of political recklessness and disloyalty during a sensitive diplomatic moment. BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha accused Rahul Gandhi of “maliciously misrepresenting” facts while the EAM is abroad, suggesting that his timing was intended to sabotage India’s diplomatic efforts.
Sinha stated:
“Only someone with a juvenile, vile intent would continue to question the External Affairs Minister after such clarifications.”
BJP’s Shehzad Poonawalla took the attack further, posting footage from Pakistan’s Geo News echoing Gandhi’s claims. “Rahul Gandhi’s bizarre lies are making it to Pakistani media. Both speak the same language… is it a coincidence?” he questioned, drawing parallels to international narratives that may undermine India.
A Matter of National Integrity or Political Opportunism?
At the heart of the controversy lies a fundamental question: Was India’s strategic posture compromised, or is this a politically driven misinterpretation? While the Congress frames its accusations as a demand for transparency and accountability, the BJP views it as an opportunistic move that risks national unity and undermines the government’s diplomatic efforts.
For national politics, the debate carries significant implications. Operation Sindoor was a symbol of India’s assertive defense policy. Any perception that its integrity was undermined could shape public sentiment and electoral dynamics, especially in regions that value national security.
Scrutiny, Strategy, and the Search for Truth
The controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s charges against S. Jaishankar is not just a war of words—it is a reflection of deepening ideological rifts over how India should navigate security, diplomacy, and transparency. While Congress demands answers, the BJP insists on national solidarity in times of conflict.
For the Indian public, this episode is a reminder of the fine line between political accountability and national responsibility. In an age where information can be weaponized, discerning fact from spin is not just important—it’s imperative.
(With agency inputs)
