Rahul Gandhi Alleges ‘Crime’, Not Lapse, in Informing Pakistan during Op Sindoor; Centre, BJP Hit Back

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday reignited the controversy over External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar’s remarks on Operation Sindoor, accusing the Centre of alerting Pakistan at the outset of the military operation. Gandhi termed the move a “crime” and demanded accountability, drawing a sharp rebuttal from the government and the BJP.

Posting a video of Jaishankar’s media interaction, Gandhi said, “Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime. The EAM has publicly admitted that the Government of India did it. Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our Air Force lose as a result?”

In the video, Dr Jaishankar says: “At the start of the operation, we sent a message to Pakistan, saying we are striking at infrastructure and not at the military, so they had the option of staying out. They chose not to take good advice.”

Reposting the video again on Monday, Gandhi added, “The EAM’s silence isn’t just telling — it’s damning. This wasn’t a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth.”

The Ministry of External Affairs issued a clarification, calling the allegations a distortion of facts. “The EAM had clearly stated that the message was sent during the early phase after the commencement of Operation Sindoor. This is being deliberately misrepresented as a message sent before the operation began,” said the ministry in an official statement.

Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera echoed Gandhi’s charges at a press briefing, saying, “This is not diplomacy, this is espionage. Was this the reason why terrorists like Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed managed to escape the strikes? A cover-up is underway, and the Prime Minister and EAM must respond.”

The BJP reacted strongly, accusing the Congress of politicising national security. “This is an utter misrepresentation of facts that reeks of malafide intent. At a time when national interest must come first, the Leader of Opposition is choosing to play politics,” said BJP spokespersons in coordinated statements.

Eknath Shinde Slams Gandhi: ‘Stop Questioning Our Forces’

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also criticised Rahul Gandhi, saying his remarks amounted to casting doubt on India’s armed forces.

“Raising questions on our Army in times of crisis is unfortunate and amounts to expressing distrust in our brave soldiers,” said Shinde.

He further added, “Why doesn’t Rahul Gandhi ask for accountability from Pakistan for the lives lost in Pahalgam or the 26/11 attacks? Innocent Indians were killed. Instead of questioning our Army, he should be questioning Pakistan.” “By asking such questions, he is insulting the sacrifices of our soldiers and the sentiments of every Indian,” Shinde said.