**Union Minister Criticizes Congress Over Operation Sindoor Remarks**
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has strongly criticized the Congress party for questioning the effectiveness of Operation Sindoor, a counter-terrorism initiative launched by the Indian armed forces in response to a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Chouhan made these comments during his visit to Chhattisgarh, where he spoke to the media alongside Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Operation Sindoor was executed following the tragic attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The Indian armed forces successfully targeted and destroyed nine significant terror launch pads located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) through precision strikes. Chouhan commended the armed forces for their decisive action, stating, “The entire nation is proud and honoured. Pakistan was sending drones, which were blown away like straw. Salute to our armed forces — they destroyed not just the colour of Sindoor, but wiped out the very bases of terrorism.”
In a pointed remark directed at the Congress party, Chouhan cautioned, “One must be mindful — when you speak against the Prime Minister, don’t end up speaking against the nation.” His comments were a direct response to Bhupesh Baghel, the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and a senior Congress leader, who had expressed skepticism about the government’s handling of the operation, citing a lack of transparency and accountability.
Baghel, speaking at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi, raised questions about the operational outcomes and the government’s diplomatic approach. He stated, “Twenty-six lives were lost. Were those four or five terrorists even caught? If not, how can you claim Operation Sindoor was a success? Who is responsible for this failure?” He further criticized the government’s assurances regarding safety in Kashmir, noting that families who visited the region returned with their loved ones in coffins.
Additionally, Baghel highlighted concerns over a sudden ceasefire announcement by US President Donald Trump, suggesting it indicated a diplomatic failure on India’s part. “Isn’t it a failure of India’s foreign policy? Has India accepted third-party intervention? What promises were made during the ceasefire? The country deserves to know,” he asserted.
In light of the ongoing controversy, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, have called for a special session of Parliament, urging the Prime Minister to clarify the terms of the ceasefire and India’s diplomatic stance.
While both the ruling party and the opposition express unwavering support for the armed forces, the exchange between Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Bhupesh Baghel underscores a significant political divide.
**FAQ**
**What is Operation Sindoor?**
Operation Sindoor is a counter-terrorism initiative by the Indian armed forces aimed at neutralizing terrorist threats following a deadly attack in Pahalgam, resulting in the destruction of terror launch pads in Pakistan and POK.
