BJP-Congress Face-Off Sharpens Over Operation Sindoor Controversy

A political row intensified on Sunday as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Congress of spreading misinformation and undermining public faith in the armed forces over claims related to Operation Sindoor .

The controversy began after Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that the government had concealed the martyrdom of six military personnel during the operation, citing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement in Parliament. The Ministry of Defence rejected the allegation, stating that the soldiers' sacrifice had already been publicly acknowledged.

Responding to the claims, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called Khera's remarks a "sinister lie" and said the six personnel had been duly honoured, with their sacrifice publicly recognised and gallantry awards conferred. He accused the Congress of attempting to demoralise the armed forces for political gains.

Poonawalla further alleged that the Congress had previously questioned the 2016 surgical strikes , the 2019 Balakot air strikes , and criticised Operation Sindoor. He also claimed that past Congress governments failed to adequately modernise the armed forces, while asserting that the current government has adopted a stronger national security doctrine.

On Saturday, the Defence Ministry clarified that reports suggesting the six soldiers were acknowledged only recently were incorrect. It said the nation had paid tribute to the fallen personnel at the earliest opportunity and noted that during an official press briefing on May 11, 2025 , the then Director General of Military Operations had publicly honoured the soldiers and recognised their sacrifice during Operation Sindoor.

The exchange marks the latest flashpoint between the BJP and Congress, with both parties trading charges over the government's handling and public communication of Operation Sindoor.