Is the Congress Party Politicizing the Army? Jagdambika Pal Responds

Synopsis
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal has publicly criticized the Congress party's recent initiatives, claiming they are politicizing the Indian Armed Forces while launching their own patriotic campaigns. His remarks highlight the contrasting positions and alleged hypocrisy within the Congress regarding support for the military.
Key Takeaways
- Jagdambika Pal criticizes the Congress party for politicizing the army.
- BJP launches 'Tiranga Yatra' to celebrate armed forces.
- The need for unity over division in supporting military efforts.
- Allegations against Pakistan for supporting terrorism.
- Importance of genuine support for armed forces without political optics.
New Delhi, May 15 (NationPress) BJP MP Jagdambika Pal fiercely criticized the Congress party for allegedly "politicizing" the Indian Armed Forces. This statement follows the Congress's launch of its ‘Jai Hind Yatra’, along with various events like 'Jai Hind Sabhas' across the nation.
In response, the BJP initiated the 'Tiranga Yatra', a campaign dedicated to celebrating the courage of the armed forces and fostering a spirit of national pride and unity. Currently active in several states, this Yatra seeks to highlight the valor of the Indian Army and promote a message of national cohesion.
Pal criticized the Congress’s patriotic initiatives as insincere and inconsistent, particularly when compared to the remarks made by their own leaders.
“They are engaging in politics regarding the army,” Pal stated during an interview with IANS.
“They profess to support the government and the armed forces, yet when their own MP, Shashi Tharoor, commends the bravery of our soldiers or the government's actions, he is cautioned against crossing the ‘Lakshman Rekha.’ What sort of support is that? It clearly reveals their appeasement mentality,” he added.
He further remarked that the Congress’s contradictory stance exposes its true nature.
“If you genuinely support the armed forces, why question your own leader for praising them? The Congress party is merely feigning solidarity with the nation—it’s nothing more than political theater,” Pal asserted.
In response to the Opposition's critiques regarding the ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, Pal rejected the idea that the Indian government acted under duress.
“Take a look at what transpired in Pahalgam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly stated that it is not just the terrorists being targeted, but also their facilitators. That is precisely what Operation Sindoor accomplished. The Indian Army dismantled nine terrorist hideouts, including crucial launching pads and headquarters of groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba,” he explained.
Pal condemned Pakistan for allegedly compensating families of deceased terrorists.
“Reports indicate that family members of Masood Azhar are receiving Rs 1 crore each. That amounts to Rs 14 crore being distributed to the families of terrorists. Pakistan is not distancing itself from terrorism; rather, it is fostering it with state support,” he said.
He warned that ongoing support for terrorism from Pakistan could provoke stronger military responses in the future.
“The Prime Minister has made it abundantly clear—if another terror attack occurs, there will be war, and Pakistan will bear the consequences,” he stated.
Responding to calls from the Opposition for a special session regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, Pal stressed the importance of unity over division.
“Rather than supporting the armed forces, some leaders are raising doubts. The all-party meeting following Operation Sindoor was a crucial step. Even NCP leader Sharad Pawar acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter. Eleven Pakistani airbases, jails, and runways were destroyed. This is a moment to rally behind our army, not to politicize their heroism,” Pal concluded.