Should Congress Leaders Visit Pakistan for Operation Sindoor Evidence?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shobha Karandlaje criticizes Congress leaders' doubts about Operation Sindoor.
- She urges a visit to Pakistan for firsthand evidence.
- The Tiranga Yatra symbolizes public support for national unity.
- Concerns over political rhetoric during national crises are raised.
- Political leaders are called to respect the sacrifices of armed forces.
Bengaluru, May 17 (NationPress) Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, strongly criticized Congress leaders who have requested proof of the success of Operation Sindoor. She suggested that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah send his party leaders for a "tour" to Pakistan.
Speaking during the Tiranga Yatra event in the Byatarayanapura Assembly constituency, she expressed that state Congress leaders, who are skeptical about the claim of 100 terrorists being eliminated in Operation Sindoor, should travel to Pakistan and verify the facts.
"They should experience the reality for at least a year," she remarked.
“Our armed forces have bravely engaged with Pakistan. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge has stated his party would fully support the Centre in conducting strikes on Pakistan. Yet, state Congress leaders are making conflicting statements. The Congress leadership must clarify its position,” she urged.
“It is unclear if these statements from state Congress leaders are made under the guidance of the high command,” she added.
“Our military has successfully targeted terrorists in Pakistan, and the government there has even compensated the families of the deceased terrorists. However, Congress leaders continue to disrespect our soldiers. They previously sought proof of surgical strikes and are now demanding evidence of Operation Sindoor. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should manage his party members to prevent such remarks; otherwise, he should consider sending them to Pakistan,” said Union Minister Karandlaje.
In reference to a controversial statement by Karnataka Housing and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, she stated, "Khan mentioned he would become a suicide bomber. Instead of that, he should visit Pakistan."
She also took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asserting, "The former Congress chief speaks against the nation. If you intend to engage in politics, do so during elections. Yet, Congress is politicizing issues even amid national crises."
Union Minister Karandlaje further asserted that Congress leaders making "irrational statements" about Operation Sindoor may incur "the curse of women."
“The Congress is politicizing tragedies," she claimed.
She clarified that the BJP did not organize the Tiranga Yatra, but people are voluntarily participating to ensure its success. The Congress must recognize this.”
The Tiranga Yatra was held from Thanisandra to Hunasemaranahalli in the Byatarayanapura area of Bengaluru.
She was reacting to the comments of Congress MLA Kothanur Manjunath, who raised doubts about the military action, stating it was ineffective and did not bring justice to the Pahalgam victims.
“Nothing was accomplished. It was merely a display; they sent a few flights overhead and returned. Will that make up for the 26 lives lost in Pahalgam? Is this how we compensate the women? Is this how we show respect?” posed Manjunath.
However, following backlash, Manjunath retracted his statement.