NATIONAL: Priyanka Gandhi Slams Modi Govt on Operation Sindoor Ceasefire
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing critique of the Narendra Modi-led government during a Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor, questioning the abrupt ceasefire in the India-Pakistan conflict and the intelligence failures preceding the Pahalgam terror attack.
Her remarks underscored a perceived lack of accountability, spotlighting the government’s response to a tragedy that claimed 26 civilian lives.
Critique of Leadership Accountability
Gandhi emphasized that leadership entails responsibility, not merely claiming credit for military successes. She highlighted the unprecedented announcement of a ceasefire by US President Donald Trump, interpreting it as a reflection of Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic irresponsibility.
This marked a historic anomaly, as India’s government or armed forces did not make the declaration, raising questions about national sovereignty in decision-making.
Questioning Security Lapses
The Congress leader pointedly questioned the absence of security personnel in Baisaran Valley, a known tourist hub, despite the government’s awareness of its high footfall.
Gandhi demanded accountability for the failure to anticipate and prevent the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, describing it as a significant lapse by intelligence agencies.
She challenged whether the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defence Minister, and National Security Advisor bore responsibility for ensuring citizen safety.
Critique of Government’s Narrative
Gandhi criticized Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech for focusing on historical references to Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi’s personal grief rather than addressing the ceasefire’s timing.
She argued that the government evaded critical questions about why the operation was halted when Pakistan was reportedly cornered, accusing the administration of prioritizing political optics over transparency.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Foreign Policy Concerns
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed Gandhi’s concerns, labeling Operation Sindoor’s necessity as evidence of intelligence failures.
He argued that the Pahalgam attack exposed vulnerabilities in border security and resulted in avoidable loss of life. Yadav further criticized India’s foreign policy, alleging it had failed to counter threats from Pakistan and China, the latter encroaching on Indian territory and economic interests.
Broader Implications for Diplomacy
Yadav questioned the external pressures influencing the ceasefire decision, suggesting a lack of autonomy in India’s strategic choices. He highlighted China’s growing assertiveness as a parallel concern, accusing the government of inadequate responses to regional security challenges.
The opposition’s unified stance underscored demands for greater transparency and accountability in national security matters.
Call for Responsibility and Resignations
Gandhi’s speech culminated in a call for tangible accountability, questioning why no resignations had followed the intelligence failures. She accused the government of deflecting scrutiny by focusing on past events while neglecting present failures.
Her remarks resonated with opposition leaders who emphasized the need for a robust, unified response to terrorism without political posturing.