New Delhi: A political war of words erupted on Thursday after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “compromising with the prestige of India” by agreeing to halt military hostilities against Pakistan. In a sharp rebuttal, the BJP branded Gandhi as the “poster boy of Pakistan”, accusing the Congress of historically indulging in soft diplomacy with the neighbouring nation.
Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X, criticised the Prime Minister’s remarks during a recent address, questioning why India had accepted Pakistan’s assurances on terrorism. “Modi ji, stop giving hollow speeches. Just tell: Why did you believe Pakistan’s statement on terrorism? Why did you sacrifice India’s interests by bowing to Trump? Why does your blood boil only in front of cameras? You have compromised with the prestige of India!” Gandhi wrote, tagging Modi’s speech.
Congress questions decision to halt Operation Sindoor
The Congress has also questioned the government’s decision to halt ‘Operation Sindoor’, which India launched in retaliation after terrorists with linked to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba killed at least 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22. The Indian security forces launched a military operation and targeted terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
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Reacting to Gandhi’s attack, Union minister Pralhad Joshi hit back on X, saying, “It seems finally you have seen PM Modi’s address. Even if it took you 10 days, it’s a good thing. Modi government is not sending love letters, as was done for years by your own party. We have given the strongest response ever.”
Slugfest between BJP and Congress
Taking the criticism further, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posted, “Speaks a man who is the poster boy of Pakistan!” In another post, he alleged, “Congress today has become nothing but a pro-Pakistan fake news factory.”
The row comes amid heightened political rhetoric over national security and foreign policy as both parties position themselves ahead of key state elections. The BJP has consistently accused the Congress of adopting a weak stance on Pakistan, while the Congress counters by alleging that the Modi government’s aggressive posturing is often undermined by secret backchannel diplomacy.
