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Key Points

A recent press conference by Congress leader Alka Lamba turned controversial when she mistakenly referenced Operation Blue Star instead of Operation Sindoor. The BJP quickly seized the opportunity, accusing her of deliberately attempting to undermine the armed forces. Lamba acknowledged her slip of tongue on social media and challenged the BJP to address real issues. The incident highlighted the ongoing political tensions between Congress and BJP regarding military operations and national security.

Key Points: Alka Lamba's Operation Sindoor Gaffe Sparks BJP Controversy

  • Alka Lamba mistakenly conflates Operation Sindoor with Operation Blue Star
  • BJP calls the slip a deliberate attempt to demean armed forces
  • Congress leader acknowledges her mistake on social media
  • BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala attacks Congress's military stance
3 min read

Row over Congress leader Alka Lamba's gaffe on Operation Sindoor, BJP calls it 'mischief'

Congress leader Alka Lamba mistakenly references Operation Blue Star, triggering political uproar and BJP's sharp criticism of her remarks

"BJP just wants to divert attention from real issues - Alka Lamba"

New Delhi, May 25

All India Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba made an embarrassing mistake on Sunday, leaving herself as well as the party red-faced over misquoting Operation Sindoor as ‘Operation Blue Star’.

The video of her gaffe, while slamming BJP leaders for ‘insulting’ the armed forces, including women officers, landed on social media and, as expected, created a sensation. BJP was quick to lap up the issue and called it a deliberate attempt by the Congress party to belittle and demean the forces.

The controversy erupted after Alka Lamba addressed a press conference at the Congress office this morning, where she accused the Centre and BJP of politicising the military operation for political gains and demanded action against their motormouth leaders for insulting the sacrifice of the Armed Forces as well as the Pahalgam victims.

Notably, Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, marked the decimation of terror bases in Pakistan by the Indian Air Force’s precision strikes. Under Operation Blue Star, in June 1984, the Army carried out a military operation to remove Sikh militants from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The Congress leader was, however, quick to take note of her slip of the tongue. She took to X to acknowledge her slip-up and asked the BJP not to deviate from real issues, and rather give answers on why the Modi government was hesitant and reluctant to call a special session of Parliament.

“BJP just wants to divert attention from real issues. Public knows the answers to real questions - Will BJP apologise on behalf of the leaders who made statements against a brave army officer like Colonel Sofia Qureshi? When will those who insult women from the families of martyrs be expelled from the party? Will these leaders be sent to jail?” she said in the X post in Hindi (loosely translated).

For the BJP, the Congress leader’s ‘slip of tongue’ made up for political fodder, given the political showdown over Operation Sindoor.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said this was ‘not ignorance but a mischief and deliberate’ attempt to weaken the forces and lower their morale.

“It was not a slip of tongue but slip of mindset,” he said in a blistering attack at the Congress party and also recalled past instances of how Congress leaders, including Charanjit Singh Channi questioned surgical strikes, Ajay Rai mocked Rafale prowess, and Manju Nath called Operation Sindoor a showoff.

He said that Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, are out on a mission to demean and undermine the security forces.

“Sena ka apman is Congress ki pehchaan (Insulting the armed forces is the identity of Congress)", he claimed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Such careless statements from senior leaders show Congress' casual attitude towards national security matters. Operation Blue Star and Operation Sindoor are completely different - one was internal while other was against terrorism. This isn't just a slip, it reflects poor understanding of history. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While the mistake was unfortunate, BJP is making too much fuss about it. The real issue is the treatment of women officers in armed forces. Why aren't we discussing Colonel Sofia Qureshi's case properly? Both parties need to focus on substantial matters rather than political point-scoring.
A
Arjun S.
This is exactly why youth are losing faith in traditional politics. Leaders can't even get basic facts right! Operation Sindoor was a proud moment for India, and such confusion is unacceptable. Hope all parties will be more careful when discussing military operations. Jai Hind!
S
Sunita R.
Mistakes happen to everyone, but in politics words matter. Instead of attacking each other, both BJP and Congress should work together for armed forces' welfare. Our soldiers deserve better than being used as political tools by any party. 🙏
V
Vikram J.
The speed with which BJP pounced on this shows their media strategy is strong, but what about addressing the actual concerns raised? When will leaders who disrespect martyrs' families be held accountable? The public isn't fooled by these distractions.
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Neha P.
As a daughter of an army officer, this casual mixing up of sensitive military operations hurts. Both operations had huge sacrifices - one for national unity, other for national security. Politicians should educate themselves before speaking on such matters. Shame!

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