Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, who is also the Deputy Leader of the Indian National Congress in the Lok Sabha, tore into the government’s narrative on Operation Sindoor on Monday, accusing it of sidestepping accountability over the Pahalgam terror attack and entering into a ceasefire with Pakistan without explaining the rationale behind the decision to the nation.
Speaking during the Lok Sabha debate, Gogoi questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on what he described as a “sudden ceasefire” declared on May 10, shortly after the counter-terror operation was launched. “The entire country, including the Opposition, was united in support of the Prime Minister. But on May 10, we suddenly learned of a ceasefire. Why? If Pakistan was about to surrender, who made us stop? To whom did we surrender?” he asked.
Taking aim at the government’s foreign policy handling, Gogoi cited repeated claims made by former US President Donald Trump. “Trump has publicly stated 26 times that he pressured India and Pakistan to announce a ceasefire by threatening trade repercussions. We want the truth behind this claim,” he demanded.
The Opposition MP also questioned the government’s inability to prevent Pakistan from accessing international financial assistance. “Why can’t India stop international funding to Pakistan via the IMF? Why is our voice not heard?” he asked.
Also read: Rajya Sabha adjourned, Operation Sindoor debate on Tuesday
Turning his focus to the Pahalgam terror attack, Gogoi held Union Home Minister Amit Shah directly responsible. “The Home Minister cannot hide behind the Lieutenant Governor. Despite drones, Pegasus, satellites, how have you not caught them yet?” he said, referring to the terrorists still at large even after 100 days.
He also targeted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for what he termed as an inadequate response in Parliament. “The Defence Minister failed to explain how the terrorists infiltrated Indian territory, reached Baisaran, and managed to kill tourists. The nation deserves an answer,” he said.
Earlier in the House, Singh had stated that Operation Sindoor was launched not to capture territory, but to destroy terrorist infrastructure. “Crossing the border was never the goal; our sole intent was to destroy Pakistan’s terror nurseries,” Singh clarified.
Gogoi maintained that while the Opposition supports the armed forces and stands with the government on national security, transparency must not be a casualty. “We are not the enemy. We stand with our country and our armed forces, but we will continue to question the government on lies and deceit,” he said, concluding his sharply-worded address.
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