Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: Announcing 'Jai Hind' rallies to oppose BJP's "politicisation" of 'Operation Sindoor', Congress on Wednesday questioned the "abrupt end" to India's retaliatory action in Pakistan after Pahalgam terror attack, saying it has led to "speculation and concerns" over internationalisation of Kashmir and hyphenation of India with Pakistan.
The sentiments were expressed in a resolution adopted at a meeting of members of the Congress Working Committee where leaders spoke about BJP's "blatant" attempt to "politicise" security by inviting Chief Ministers of NDA-ruled states and ignoring those from Opposition-ruled states.
Congress announced that 'Jai Hind' rallies will be held in 13-15 cities in the coming days to demand answers from the government and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi will address a press conference on Friday.
In its resolution, the Congress raised questions about "apparent intelligence failure" that led to April 22 Pahalgam, delay in fixing accountability and capturing terrorists involved in the terror strike while saying national security "cannot be managed through public relations exercises" on TV, as it demands professional rigour, vigilance, and institutional accountability.
"Equally surprising was the abrupt end to India's retaliatory action (Operation Sindoor) against Pakistan, which has left behind a trail of unanswered questions. The sudden halt, without clarity or communication, has led to speculation and concern across the country," it said, referring to the ceasefire announcement on May 10, three days after India launched retaliatory strikes.
"Adding to this is the deeply problematic statement by US President Donald Trump, who was the first to claim that a ceasefire was brokered with the use of trade threats and pressure on India. The Government of India’s silence on this matter is inexplicable and unacceptable," it said adding, "President Trump’s assertion, unchallenged by the Modi government, has internationalised a matter that must remain firmly within bilateral frameworks."
This represents a "dangerous and unprecedented hyphenation" of India with Pakistan, which compromises India's national position and prestige, it said.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh referred to PM Modi's meeting with NDA Chief Ministers on May 25 to brief them about Operation Sindoor and said no party can assert exclusive claim over it, as is being attempted by the BJP.
"What is wrong in inviting Chief Ministers of Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab or Jammu and Kashmir? Why are only NDA Chief Ministers invited? If this is not politicisation, what else is it?... BJP is indulging in 'maximum silence on real issues and maximum politicisation," he said.
"On one hand, Mallikarjun Kharge-ji and Rahul ji are talking of unity, and on the other hand, the Prime Minister is silent and not agreeing to come for an all-party or hold a special session of Parliament," he said.