Days after India's Operation Sindoor on terror groups and their training camps, the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, continues to question its success and the efforts of the Indian Armed Forces. The Former Congress President has repeatedly maintained a rhetoric that affirms his disbelief and skepticism towards the Indian Armed Forces and National Security agencies. With his stance, Rahul Gandhi is questioning their bravery and valor, further putting their morale down, and letting the world know that India isn't united... What's even more concerning is that this kind of rhetoric only divides the nation, spreading distrust and misleading the citizens.
At a time when national security is paramount, and the whole nation, despite its beliefs, religion, political party, or any other dividing factor, should stand united with the Indian military and paramilitary forces, the remarks of the Leader of Opposition are worrying. He seems to be politicizing the subject of national security every now and then. This is not the first time; there have been multiple occasions when Rahul Gandhi has raised doubts on the integrity and working of the security forces rather than ensuring support.
The most recent one was when the Congress leader accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of having surrendered to the pressure of the United States during the India-Pakistan conflict, a potential war. During an INC (Indian National Congress) party event in Bhopal, Rahul Gandhi allegedly pointed out that Narendra Modi surrendered just after a phone call from Donald Trump, claiming, "Narendra ji followed Trump saying, 'Narender, surrender' by saying 'yes sir'." This didn't stop here with a mere remark alone, the Congress party further went up, exaggerating it all by adding fuel to the fire, posting on its social media handle on X with a cartoon. One side of which depicted Trump shouting, "Narender, surrender" on the phone, while the other side showed Modi replying with "Yes, Sir."
This is a very recent instance, but Rahul Gandhi has raised questions on the Indian Defence Forces multiple times in the past. After the surgical strike that followed the Uri attack of 2016 and the Balakot air strikes of 2019, Gandhi had demanded a 'video proof' of the armed forces' attack against terror. Even after the Galwan Valley clash with China in 2020, he started targeting the Government on its measures to control the situation.
The Congress and the opposition often choose to conveniently ignore the enemy's loss, while being sceptical over the fatalities faced by India. The nation's approach and action against terror have caused enough destruction to Pakistan's terror infrastructure, something which is acknowledged by experts. But Congress and Rahul Gandhi firmly refuse to accept all this, and have prioritized political stance over the appreciation of the strategic achievements of India.
A striking contrast exists when we compare India with other war-hit countries. If we look at Russia-Ukraine or Israel-Palestine, we never know their internal tensions. It appears to be a political consensus despite deep political divisions and ideological differences. When it comes to India, until very recently, we observe the opposition as well as so-called social media influencers turning skeptical, trying to reason when all they are supposed to do is support the Indian Armed Forces. And, such remarks from an influential figure like Rahul Gandhi only undermine the national spirit, unity, and solidarity of the nation.
It is the right of the Opposition to demand and question the acts of the Government. But, is it really important to instead make a mockery out of the whole thing? Or at least wait for a while until things are under control, and then choose to demand 'proofs'. All this while, when you are questioning the Government, you are actually raising questions on the integrity and dedicated efforts of those who live and die for the nation. The opposition must understand this and rise in solidarity of the nation and its pride.
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