New Delhi, May 19, 2025 — Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi intensified his attack on External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar by accusing the government of informing Pakistan at the start of Operation Sindoor. Gandhi called this action not a “lapse” but a “crime,” triggering a sharp and fiery rebuttal from the BJP.
1. Gandhi’s Bold Accusation of ‘Crime’
Rahul Gandhi shared video footage of Dr Jaishankar stating that India had sent a message to Pakistan about the operation targeting infrastructure and not military forces, suggesting Pakistan’s military had the option to stay out of the conflict. Gandhi called this a “crime” and demanded answers on how many Indian aircraft were lost as a result.
2. BJP Calls Gandhi’s Claims “Malafide Intent”
The BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha told NDTV that Gandhi was misrepresenting facts and operating at the behest of certain powers. The BJP condemned Gandhi’s timing and motives, emphasizing the government’s unified stance.
3. Congress Leaders Question Jaishankar-Pakistan “Relationship”
Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the External Affairs Minister of espionage rather than diplomacy and alleged a cover-up helping terrorists Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed evade airstrikes.
4. Official Government Response and Fact-Checks
The External Affairs Ministry clarified that the minister’s remarks were being falsely represented. The Press Information Bureau’s fact-check wing also warned against misquoting Dr Jaishankar.
5. Military Leadership’s Confirmation
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, confirmed India had attempted to communicate its intentions to Pakistan but was met with refusal, asserting India’s preparedness.
6. BJP’s Scathing Counter-Attack
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Rahul Gandhi of echoing Pakistani media narratives, sharing a Pakistani news bulletin video, and questioned Gandhi’s patriotism and intent.
7. Political Impact and National Security Debate
This confrontation has ignited a fierce political debate on national security and diplomatic conduct amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
The BJP launched a scathing counter-attack on Mr Gandhi in response to his remarks. Tuhin Sinha, the party’s spokesperson, told NDTV that Mr Gandhi is repeatedly misrepresenting the minister’s remarks. “Rahul Gandhi seems to be operating at the behest of certain powers. Why is he pinning down the External Affairs Minister at a time when he is abroad? Why is he doing this at a time when our diplomatic missions are going abroad? This reeks of notoriety.”
Mr Sinha said the DGMO’s remarks at the briefing leave no doubt in anyone’s mind. “Only somebody with a juvenile, vile intent can repeatedly question the External Affairs Minister when the doubts have been allayed time and again. That makes me question his and the Congress party’s intent,” he said. “The facade of standing with the government that Rahul Gandhi put up for three weeks (after the Pahalgam attack) has gone for a toss. He is back to his vile ways.”
For more detailed analysis of India-Pakistan relations, visit our in-depth coverage on India-Pakistan Tensions 2025.
