BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi After IAF Chief's 'Full Freedom' Remark: 'Deathly Silence In Pak And...'

Last Updated:August 10, 2025, 10:48 IST

During a recent discussion in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the government “tied the hands” of IAF pilots by instructing them not to strike Pakistani air defence systems

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi | File Image

After Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh publicly credited the political leadership for giving “full freedom" to forces during Operation Sindoor, the BJP launched a sharp offensive against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who accused the Centre of “tying the hands" of jawans.

The Air Force Chief credited the Centre’s “political will" for the success of Operation Sindoor, an offensive launched to avenge the killing of 26 civilians in the April Pahalgam terror attack.

However, during a recent special discussion in Parliament, Rahul Gandhi had alleged that the government had “tied the hands" of IAF pilots by instructing them not to strike Pakistani air defence systems.

“You told our pilots to go and attack and face the air defence system of Pakistan. Meaning, you tied their hands behind their back," he had said.

Contradicting this claim, Air Chief Marshal Singh stated on Friday that the operation had been conducted without any limitations or restrictions.

“There was very clear political will, very clear directions, which were given to us. And there were no kind of restrictions which were put on us," he said, adding that six Pakistani aircraft were shot down in the action.

Addressing speculation about operational constraints, Singh said: “If there were any constraints, they were self-made. We, the forces, decided what our rules of engagement will be… I want to make it very clear, there were no, I repeat, no restrictions on us. Full freedom was given to us to plan and execute."

‘Deathly Silence In Pak And Congress’

Air Force Chief’s remarks triggered a political backlash from the BJP, with the party’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya taking a “deathly silence" swipe at Congress.

“There is a deathly silence in both the Congress and Pakistan media after Air Chief Marshal AP Singh revealed details of Pakistani fighter aircraft and military installations destroyed during #OperationSindoor. The timing is surreal, coming right after Rahul Gandhi made a complete fool of himself on the floor of Parliament," Malviya posted on X.

“Whatever little credibility the Leader of Opposition had is now in tatters, if he had any to begin with. The symbolism of Rakshabandhan being the chosen day is not lost on anyone."

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Air Chief Marshal’s statement should “put the Congress 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. Second, they ran another Pak-originated disinfo campaign claiming the Modi Govt put restrictions on the operational capability of our forces. This, too, has been debunked comprehensively," he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also slammed Rahul Gandhi, urging him to maintain the decorum of the Parliament.

“Why do you keep lying all the time? I have witnessed many Leaders of Opposition who have maintained Parliamentary standards. You have not only lowered your stature but damaged India’s high reputation," he said.

The BJP leaders posted a video debunking Gandhi’s claim, showing the statement of the IAF chief on Operation Sindoor.

Ronit Singh

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...Read More

Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be...

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August 10, 2025, 10:48 IST

News india BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi After IAF Chief's 'Full Freedom' Remark: 'Deathly Silence In Pak And...'

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