New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday, responding to allegations made by BJP leader Sambit Patra that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was “giving oxygen to Pakistan.” Ramesh rejected the accusation and argued that it was China—not the Congress—that had emboldened Pakistan, emphasizing that Pakistan could not have engaged in conflict without China’s backing.
He also questioned the central government on the status of the investigation into the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, asking why the perpetrators had not yet been apprehended. “Terrorists who were involved in the Pahalgam attack should be caught,” Ramesh asserted. “It is going to be a month—where are the Pahalgam terrorists?”
Ramesh accused the BJP of deflecting from real national security concerns and reminded the party of its own diplomatic history with Pakistan. “Who gave a clean chit to Jinnah and praised him? It was BJP leader Jaswant Singh. Who undertook the Lahore bus yatra? Atal Bihari Vajpayee did. Who had breakfast with Nawaz Sharif? It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Ramesh said.
He also criticized the Centre’s recent move to send multi-party delegations abroad to brief international partners about Operation Sindoor, calling it a “diversionary tactic” and a “public relations exercise” by the Modi government.
“The Congress and other Opposition parties have been demanding an all-party meeting since April 22. Two meetings were held, but the Prime Minister was not present. Later, LoP Rahul Gandhi ji and Kharge ji wrote to the PM asking for a special Parliament session to discuss the Pahalgam attack. Why is the Centre avoiding this?” Ramesh questioned.
The Congress MP further called for a full parliamentary debate on the broader issues of terrorism, China’s strategic support to Pakistan, and threats to national security. “We have also not discussed the China issue. Instead, to divert attention, the government announced a caste census. Now, as we continue to push for accountability, they’re sending delegations abroad,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that the first three multi-party delegations will begin their international visits on Wednesday and Thursday as part of Operation Sindoor. These delegations aim to brief global leaders on India’s firm stance against terrorism and expose Pakistan’s alleged role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism.
JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, who is leading one of the seven all-party delegations, stated, “Our job is to reveal the true face of Pakistan to the entire world on how it is promoting state-sponsored terrorism.”
Operation Sindoor’s delegations will visit key global capitals, including members of the UN Security Council, to present a unified Indian message of zero tolerance against terrorism. The delegations are led by senior political figures including Shashi Tharoor (Congress), Ravi Shankar Prasad and Baijayant Panda (BJP), Sanjay Kumar Jha (JD-U), Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (DMK), and Supriya Sule (NCP-SP).
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed the MPs before their departure, emphasizing the importance of a united front in confronting cross-border terrorism and reaffirming India’s commitment to national security. (ANI)
About The Author
