He is the LoP. Let him do that: Congress leader Salman Khurshid defends Rahul Gandhi's remarks on EAM Jaishankar

ANI May 20, 2025 261 views

Salman Khurshid firmly supported Rahul Gandhi's scrutiny of EAM Jaishankar regarding Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the LoP's duty to question national security decisions. He dismissed BJP's criticism, stating Rahul acted in national interest after thorough assessment. Khurshid clarified his role in the all-party delegation, asserting Congress' commitment to a unified anti-terrorism stance. The debate intensifies as BJP accuses Rahul of echoing Pakistan's narrative while Congress demands transparency on IAF losses.

"He is the LoP. The LoP has certain rights and responsibilities. He speaks only after assessing everything." – Salman Khurshid
New Delhi, May 20: Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Tuesday defended Rahul Gandhi's remarks accusing External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of informing Pakistan before the strikes on terror infrastructure under Operation Sindoor.

Key Points

1

Khurshid defends Rahul's right to question govt on Operation Sindoor

2

Accuses BJP of politicizing national security concerns

3

Stresses delegation's unified stance against terrorism

4

Clarifies Congress participation in govt briefing

While speaking to ANI, Khurshid said, "He is the LoP. The LoP has certain rights and responsibilities. He carries out the same. Let him do that. He speaks only after assessing and understanding everything... The purpose for which we are going is to speak for the nation... Let us do what we have to, in the interest of the nation."

Khurshid, who was part of the multi-party delegation visiting key countries to showcase India's stance against terrorism, said that Rahul Gandhi spoke only after carefully assessing the situation and his intention was to act in the nation's interest.

Responding to questions on the purpose of the delegation and his participation in it, Khurshid said he had no conflict or contradiction in representing the Congress on this global mission.

"I am going for the briefing, I will be able to tell you more only after that... They (Centre) requested my party, the party decided this (to nominate him), party's decision is supreme," he stated.

He made it clear that his current position was based on the directions of the Congress party, and he would only offer detailed opinions after attending the government's official briefing.

"I am not contradictory in that delegation, I am just trying to know if you want to take this line of message from the government against Pakistan or briefing from your party. I am going for a briefing. Then I will be able to tell... If I start speaking on my behalf right now, what will happen to my seniority," he added.

When asked whether the government delayed this all-party delegation or if the timing was right, Khurshid said he had "no opinion" on the matter.

"They requested my party. The party has decided. The decision of the party is final." he responded.

Khurshid further said that all participants in the delegation must work for the nation's interest, regardless of political affiliation.

On May 17, Rahul Gandhi in his post on X, alleged wrongdoing by the government, stating, "Informing Pakistan at the start of our attack was a crime. EAM has publicly admitted that the GOI did it. Who authorised it? How many aircraft did our air force lose as a result?"

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi again questioned External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, accusing him of being silent on how many aircraft the Indian Air Force lost during Operation Sindoor and said that the nation "deserves the truth."

"EAM Jaishankar's silence isn't just telling -- it's damning. So I'll ask again: How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn't a lapse. It was a crime. And the nation deserves the truth," Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

BJP have launched an attack on the Congress MP accusing him of speaking the "language of Pakistan" after his remarks.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
As an Indian, I'm deeply concerned about politicizing national security matters. Whether Congress or BJP, our armed forces' operations shouldn't become political football. We must present a united front to the world, especially regarding Pakistan. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Khurshid ji makes a valid point - the LoP has every right to ask questions. But timing and wording matter! Could Rahul Gandhi have raised these concerns privately instead of on social media? National security isn't about scoring political points.
A
Amit S.
Operation Sindoor was a success that made every Indian proud. Why question it now? If there were operational details to discuss, Parliament is the right forum, not Twitter. This only helps Pakistan's propaganda machine.
S
Sunita R.
While accountability is important, we must trust our forces and diplomats. Jaishankar ji has handled foreign policy brilliantly. Constant second-guessing from opposition leaders, however well-intentioned, weakens India's position internationally.
V
Vikram J.
Interesting how quickly BJP jumps to "anti-national" accusations! Healthy democracy needs opposition voices. But Congress should also present concrete evidence if making serious allegations. Baseless claims help no one except our adversaries.
N
Neha P.
As a young Indian, I'm tired of this constant blame game. Can't our leaders focus on actual policy discussions rather than Twitter wars? We have real challenges with China and Pakistan - need mature politics, not drama. 🙏

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Tags:
Rahul Gandhi Salman Khurshid Jaishankar Operation Sindoor Congress BJP India Pakistan