BJP Criticizes Rahul Gandhi Following Air Force Chief's "Unrestricted Authority" Statement
The Air Chief Marshal, Amar Preet Singh, has explicitly refuted Rahul Gandhi's claim that the Indian Air Force (IAF) was restricted during Operation Sindoor. In a statement to Parliament, the Air Chief Marshal denied the Opposition's claim, emphasizing that there were no restrictions placed on the IAF and that the operation was successful due to the presence of clear political will and directions[1].
During Operation Sindoor, the IAF shot down six Pakistani aircraft, including fighter jets and an airborne warning plane. The air chief confirmed that advanced weaponry like the S-400 system was used, contributing to this success[1][3]. Rahul Gandhi's claims had implied a lack of political will and operational freedom, which Singh directly contradicted by stating he attended all relevant meetings and witnessed directive support rather than limitations[1].
The BJP has since criticized Rahul Gandhi for allegedly damaging India's reputation on this matter. Amit Malviya, a senior BJP leader, claimed that there is a "deathly silence" in the Congress and Pakistan media following the Air Force Chief's remarks, and that Rahul Gandhi's credibility is now in tatters following the Air Force Chief's disclosure[4].
The operation was launched to avenge a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress party, however, has been accused of peddling lies and running a disinformation campaign claiming that the Modi government put restrictions on the operational capability of the forces during Operation Sindoor[5].
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urged Rahul Gandhi to maintain the decorum of the Parliament[2]. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam Chief Minister, also stated that there is quantifiable, detailed, and irrefutable proof on the wrath inflicted upon the enemy during Operation Sindoor[5]. The BJP has further requested Rahul Gandhi to maintain the decorum of India's Parliament.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh also stated that any constraints during Operation Sindoor were self-imposed by the forces[1]. The controversy surrounds Rahul Gandhi's initial claim that the Centre had asked the IAF not to attack Pakistan's air defense system during Operation Sindoor[6].
References:
- The Hindu
- India Today
- NDTV
- ANI
- The Print
- Business Standard
The controversies surrounding the Operation Sindoor continue as Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh's denial of the allegations by Rahul Gandhi highlights the importance of policy and legislation in war-and-conflicts, with politics playing a significant role in shaping the narrative [1][2][5]. Meanwhile, general news platforms have been reporting on the BJP's criticism of Rahul Gandhi for potentially damaging India's reputation and the Congress party's accusations of peddling lies [4][5].
