New Delhi, July 29 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge delivered a passionate and pointed critique in the Rajya Sabha regarding the government's management of Operation Sindoor and the subsequent terrorist assault in Pahalgam.

He insisted that Home Minister Amit Shah must bear accountability for any potential “security lapses” that occurred.

In reference to the remarks made by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha about Operation Sindoor, Kharge condemned the government, asserting that accountability for operational failures should indeed lie with Home Minister Amit Shah. Instead of owning up to their shortcomings, Kharge noted that the ruling party incessantly deflected blame, fixating on Congress’s historical actions.

He posed the question, “How long can you survive on the legacy of blaming your predecessors?”

Kharge commenced his address by honoring the bravery of those who lost their lives in the attack, asserting that if the Lieutenant Governor acknowledged a security lapse, then accountability must be assigned.

He challenged the government’s selective disclosures, urging for more information than just the elimination of three terrorists: “You claim three were killed - inform us how many are still at large and when action will be initiated against them.”

He highlighted increasing apprehension both within and outside Parliament regarding the inaction against individuals who make derogatory and inflammatory remarks.

“People often wonder why such matters aren’t addressed publicly, yet once they enter Parliament, the expectation shifts to us raising them within the House. The reality is, when these offenses are committed by members of one’s own party, it is the party’s duty to take corrective measures,” he argued.

Using a case in point, he described a minister from Madhya Pradesh who had made an offensive comment about a military officer, implying that those harmed in the attack had tarnished the honor of our daughters and that their sisters had been “sent back.”

“If someone from the opposition had used similar language, they would be quickly labeled traitors. So why hasn’t the BJP expelled such members?” he questioned in the House, addressing Leader of the House J.P. Nadda.

“Even the Supreme Court has condemned the statement,” he remarked.

He also mentioned another instance, where the widow of Major Vinay Narwal, who sacrificed his life for the nation, faced online harassment. Even the Foreign Secretary has been subjected to personal attacks.

“The question remains - how has the government responded to these disgraceful acts?” he queried.

“No one disputes that PM Modi is articulate when discussing patriotism. His speeches are often impactful and stirring. However, when the very essence of patriotism is undermined by members within his party - when they dishonor the army and ridicule those who have sacrificed everything - his silence is deafening. The Prime Minister must break that silence, and action must ensue,” Kharge stated.

Turning to the ceasefire following the Pahalgam attacks, Kharge questioned the silence from both the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister. He referenced statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that five jets were shot down and suggested a third-party role in the ceasefire.

Kharge asked who had authorized it and whether foreign pressure - including trade threats or diplomatic intervention - played a role in the decision. He demanded an official explanation, asserting that the Prime Minister's lack of response amounted to surrendering India's narrative to external influences.

In light of past conflicts, he proposed establishing a committee similar to the Kargil Review Committee, chaired by K. Subrahmanyam, father of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

Kharge contended that a comprehensive, transparent report was necessary to pinpoint where strategic and political failures transpired. He expressed disappointment that MPs were learning about developments through the media instead of through parliamentary briefings.

While affirming Congress’s commitment to national unity and the armed forces, he accused the government of politicizing military operations and diverting criticism by targeting opposition voices.

Kharge concluded his remarks with a call to cease blaming Congress for strategic missteps and urged the government to confront reality, provide a complete account, and facilitate meaningful parliamentary debate on matters of national significance.