New Delhi, July 28: Congress MP and Deputy Leader of the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government over what he described as serious security lapses during the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
Speaking during the debate on Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Gogoi held the Centre directly responsible, stating that it cannot deflect accountability onto the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The Defence Minister gave a lengthy address but failed to explain how terrorists managed to infiltrate the Baisaran valley and massacre 26 people,” Gogoi said, accusing the government of failing to bring the perpetrators to justice even after more than 100 days since the attack.
He raised pointed questions about the Centre’s handling of Operation Sindoor and referred to remarks made by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan and other senior military officers acknowledging early-stage operational missteps. “Top military officials have admitted to errors during the initial phase of the operation. Why then is the government unwilling to accept responsibility and present a clear picture of what went wrong?” Gogoi asked.
Challenging the operational tactics, he questioned why India’s fighter jets had to engage from long range, despite being equipped with some of the world’s best aerial combat technology. “Why were our jets restrained? What prevented them from taking more decisive action?” he added.
Gogoi also raised concerns about India's diplomatic posture, accusing the government of avoiding direct confrontation with China, despite open support allegedly extended by Beijing to Pakistan. He cited remarks made by Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh at a FICCI event, where the senior officer described the conflict as a two-front war involving both Pakistan and China.
Further quoting Group Captain Shiv Kumar, India’s Defence Attaché in Indonesia, Gogoi questioned the rationale behind restraining Indian forces from targeting military infrastructure across the border, which, he said, contributed to the loss of fighter aircraft. “Why was our military asked to hold back in the face of such provocation?” he asked.
Turning his criticism toward foreign policy, the Congress leader said Operation Sindoor exposed glaring failures in India's global outreach and diplomatic strategy. “The government claims Pakistan is isolated, yet it continues to receive funding from the World Bank, IMF, and ADB. If our foreign policy is so effective, how is this possible?” Gogoi said.
He accused the BJP-led government of presiding over some of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including Uri, Pulwama, and now Pahalgam. According to Gogoi, despite repeated intelligence and security failures, the government remains unapologetic and complacent.
“After the Pahalgam tragedy, the Prime Minister did not even visit the site. Instead, he chose to campaign in Bihar. It was Rahul Gandhi who stood by the grieving families, visiting them in their hour of need,” Gogoi added.
Tags: prameyanews
