Operation Sindoor: BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi After IAF Chief Refutes ‘Tied Hands’ Claim

A day after Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh publicly credited the Centre’s “political will” and “full freedom” granted to the armed forces during Operation Sindoor, the BJP mounted a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for alleging that the government had “tied the hands” of jawans.

The Air Force Chief hailed the political leadership for enabling the May 7 operation, launched in retaliation for the April Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. However, during a recent special discussion in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi had accused the government of restricting the Indian Air Force by instructing pilots not to target Pakistani air defence systems.

“You told our pilots to go and attack and face the air defence system of Pakistan… You tied their hands behind their back,” Gandhi had alleged.

Directly countering the claim, Air Chief Marshal Singh said on Friday that the operation was executed without any constraints.

“There was very clear political will, very clear directions, and no restrictions were put on us,” he stated, adding that six Pakistani aircraft were shot down during the mission. “If there were any constraints, they were self-made. We, the forces, decided our rules of engagement. I want to make it clear — there were no restrictions. Full freedom was given to plan and execute.”

BJP’s Counteroffensive
Singh’s remarks triggered a political backlash against the Congress, with BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya taking a swipe on X, calling it a moment of “deathly silence” for both the Congress and Pakistani media.

“The timing is surreal, coming right after Rahul Gandhi made a complete fool of himself on the floor of Parliament,” Malviya posted. “Whatever little credibility the Leader of Opposition had is now in tatters. The symbolism of Rakshabandhan being the chosen day is not lost on anyone.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Air Chief’s statement should “put the Congress party to shame.”

“First, their leaders peddled lies on India’s losses, whereas we now have detailed and irrefutable proof of the damage inflicted on the enemy. Second, they ran another Pakistan-originated disinformation campaign claiming the Modi government restricted our forces — this, too, has been comprehensively debunked,” Sarma said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised Gandhi, urging him to uphold parliamentary decorum.

“Why do you keep lying all the time? I have seen many Leaders of Opposition who maintained Parliamentary standards. You have not only lowered your stature but damaged India’s high reputation,” Rijiju remarked.

BJP leaders circulated a video juxtaposing Gandhi’s remarks with the IAF chief’s statement to underscore their rebuttal.