'Disgraceful': Congress To File Complaint Over BJP MLA's Remarks On Armed Forces, Op Sindoor

Last Updated:May 30, 2025, 16:41 IST

RS Pathania, BJP MLA from Udhampur East, denied allegations of making disparaging remarks about the Indian Air Force, claiming the video showing the comments was "morphed."

BJP MLA R S Pathania | File Image

The Congress party on Friday announced plans to file a legal complaint against a Jammu and Kashmir BJP MLA for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Indian Armed Forces and Operation Sindoor.

RS Pathania, MLA from Udhampur East, denied allegations of making disparaging remarks about the Indian Air Force, claiming the video showing the comments was “morphed."

“Disgraceful and unacceptable. BJP MLA Ranbir Pathania has insulted our armed forces by questioning their integrity during Operation Sindoor, saying they were “sleeping" and calling them “incompetent", said Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain in an X post.

“Such vile remarks are an insult to every soldier who risks their life for the nation. This isn’t an isolated case, BJP leaders have previously made similar offensive comments. Yet BJP remains silent," he added.

The Congress MP demanded that the party must publicly apologise and immediately remove the MLA from his post, adding that if the BJP fails to take action, “it would indicate that these remarks reflect the party’s collective mindset."

Pathania Stokes Row

The controversy erupted after a nine-second video clip surfaced on social media in which Pathania purportedly criticised the IAF’s role during Operation Sindoor, allegedly calling out their competence.

The clip led to sharp reactions, including condemnation from the J-K Congress, which termed the remarks “disrespectful’ and demanded an apology.

“During Operation Sindoor, everyone remembers what happened at the Air Force station. Either it was the fault of the incompetent ones, or these people must have been asleep."

“We were not at fault. We had placed them here with great respect, as if on our eyelids," Pathania is purportedly heard saying in the clip.

Reacting to the backlash, Pathania released a video statement, asserting, “I have not said anything against the armed forces. The clip is edited and morphed. Our legal team has taken action and filed an FIR against those responsible for spreading this misinformation."

Pathania reaffirmed his support for the armed forces, stating, “Bharat Mata ki Jai. Armed Forces ki Jai. Indian Air Force ki Jai. We are proud of our forces."

BJP state president Sat Sharma backed Pathania, stating that his remarks were being misconstrued. “I have spoken to Pathania ji. An FIR has already been registered in this regard," he told reporters.

Location :

Srinagar, India, India

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News india 'Disgraceful': Congress To File Complaint Over BJP MLA's Remarks On Armed Forces, Op Sindoor