NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on the Congress on Friday, accusing its leaders of demoralizing the armed forces and undermining India’s position in the aftermath of the recent conflict with Pakistan.
BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra sharply criticized Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh, and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, claiming they have repeatedly questioned India's losses in the military conflict while remaining silent on the damage inflicted on Pakistan.
Patra alleged that Congress’s 'Jai Hind Yatra' appears to resemble a "Jai Pakistan Yatra", citing instances where senior leaders, according to him, have focused more on India’s setbacks than on its strategic gains. He accused the opposition party of seeking details about the number of Indian aircraft lost more often than Pakistan has, and likened Congress leaders to "babbar" (lion-like warriors) of Pakistan, while calling them "Gabbar"—a reference to the villain in the iconic film Sholay—who is destined for defeat at the hands of heroes.
He also took strong objection to a remark by Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh, who reportedly equated Indian MPs traveling abroad as part of all-party delegations with terrorists. Patra clarified that Congress MPs are among the delegates visiting global capitals to present India's stance following the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent retaliatory strikes. While commending their efforts, he condemned Ramesh’s comparison as irresponsible.
The BJP spokesperson further highlighted past statements by Congress leaders, suggesting they have a history of questioning India’s military decisions. He pointed to former Union Minister Salman Khurshid’s acknowledgment of the positive impact of revoking Article 370 and urged Congress leaders, especially Rahul Gandhi, to take note.
Patra reignited old controversies by accusing former Congress president Sonia Gandhi of sympathizing with terrorists during the Batla House encounter and referenced Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s reported admission that Indian BrahMos missiles had struck Pakistani military sites.
Citing international military analyst John Spencer, Patra asserted that India emerged victorious in the tech-driven conflict while Pakistan acted as a proxy for China and suffered a loss. He criticised the Congress for failing to recognize this global consensus and instead, allegedly attempting to weaken national morale.
Taking aim at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Patra also accused her of sheltering infiltrators and Rohingya migrants, and criticized her for using derogatory language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he described as the nation’s “sewak.”
The BJP's remarks mark an escalation in the political rhetoric surrounding India’s national security and foreign policy, as both parties position themselves ahead of the upcoming elections.
