BJP leaders slam Rahul Gandhi for "peddling lies" after IAF chief credits Centre's "political will" for Op Sindoor's success

New Delhi [India], August 9 : After the Indian Air Force Chief credited the "political will" of the Central government for the success of Operation Sindoor, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders on Saturday slammed Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for "deliberately pushing a Pakistani narrative" and "berating the armed forces" by making false claims in Parliament.
During the special discussion on Operation Sindoor carried out during the Monsoon session of Parliament, the Congress leader had claimed that the Centre had "tied the hands of our pilots" by telling them not to attack Pakistani air defence systems.
However, earlier today, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that the key reasons for the Operation's success were the "presence of political will" and no restrictions being put on them.
"You went into Pakistan, you attacked Pakistan, and you told our pilots not to attack their air defence systems. Meaning you told our pilots, go and attack, and face the air defence system of Pakistan, meaning you tied their hands behind their back," Rahul Gandhi had said earlier in Parliament.
However, the Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said, "A key reason for success was the presence of political will. There was very clear political will and very clear directions given to us. No restrictions were put on us... If there were any constraints, they were self-made. The forces decided what the rules of engagement would be. We decided how we wanted to control the escalation. We had full freedom to plan and execute."
Responding to the claims, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa said that the Congress should "hang its head in shame" for deliberately pushing a Pakistani narrative.
"Today, the Air Chief Marshal made 2 important observations which should honestly put the Cong party to shame. First, their leaders peddled lies on India's losses whereas we now have quantifiable, detailed and irrefutable proof on the wrath inflicted upon the enemy," Biswa wrote in a post on X.
"Second, they ran another Pakistan-originated disinformation campaign claiming the Modi Govt put restrictions on the operational capability of our forces. This too has been debunked comprehensively. The Cong party should hang its head in shame for deliberately pushing Pakistani narrative and berating the bravery of our forces."
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also called on the Congress leader to "maintain decorum of Parliament," as he asked, "Why do you keep lying all the time?"
"I request Rahul Gandhi to maintain the decorum of India's Parliament. Why do you keep lying all the time? I have witnessed many Leaders of Opposition who had maintained Parliamentary standards. You have not only lowered your stature but damaged India's high reputation!" he posted on X.
Both the leaders had posted a video debunking Gandhi's claim and showing the statement of the IAF chief.