Congress stalwart late Ahmed Patel's son, Faisal Patel, has publicly lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in handling Operation Sindoor, a military action conducted in retaliation to the Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The comments come amid criticism from several Congress leaders regarding the BJP-led Central Government's approach to the incident.

Faisal Patel’s remarks on Tuesday carried weight not just for their content, but also because of his political lineage. As the son of a highly respected Congress figure, his praise for a sitting Prime Minister from the BJP has attracted considerable attention in political circles.

Acknowledgment of Modi’s Leadership and the Armed Forces

Speaking to reporters, Faisal Patel said, “Our country is in safe hands because of our Armed Forces. I feel that the leaders who are running the country right now — Narendra Modi, Dr S Jaishankar, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Sudhanshu Trivedi — are working hard. We have our problems like inflation, unemployment, and others, but they are doing a good job.”

He went on to highlight that PM Modi demonstrated strong and decisive leadership during the crisis, helping the country navigate through a period of intense national security concerns. “The armed forces have done a great job, and PM Narendra Modi showed great leadership and brought us out of a huge crisis. It’s a big deal. I am proud of our armed forces,” he said.

Faisal Patel also commended External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, noting his competence in foreign policy. He praised Modi’s practice of selecting bureaucrats with leadership potential and placing them in ministerial roles, describing it as a “very good thing” that strengthens governance.

Clarification on His Stand with Congress

Faisal Patel took the opportunity to address speculation about his relationship with the Indian National Congress. He reiterated that he is not upset with the party and has merely taken a break from active politics. “I have not left Congress, I have just taken a sabbatical from public life. The whole party is my family, and I have good relations with senior leaders,” he said.

This clarification follows his February 2025 announcement, where he revealed that he had stopped working for the party, citing missed opportunities to carry forward his father’s political legacy.

Praise for Congress Leaders Despite Criticism of Party Functioning

Interestingly, even while lauding PM Modi and the BJP leadership, Faisal Patel spoke positively about several Congress leaders. He named Rahul Gandhi as a hardworking leader and praised Shashi Tharoor, DK Shivakumar, Revanth Reddy, Deependra Hooda, and Sachin Pilot as bright and capable politicians.

However, he also expressed concern over internal party functioning, saying that senior Congress leaders are not always given the right advice. He remarked that some advisors frequently change and fail to provide effective guidance, which impacts decision-making at the top.

Political and Public Reactions

Faisal Patel’s comments are likely to spark conversations across the political spectrum. For supporters of the BJP, his praise for PM Modi’s crisis leadership serves as an endorsement from an unexpected quarter. For Congress loyalists, it reflects the need for introspection on party organisation and leadership strategy.

His remarks also touch on broader governance issues — from national security and foreign policy to economic challenges like inflation and unemployment. By acknowledging both the strengths and weaknesses in India’s political leadership, Faisal Patel has positioned himself as a voice willing to speak beyond party lines.

Context: Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam Terror Attack

Operation Sindoor was launched by Indian security forces in retaliation to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which targeted civilians in Jammu & Kashmir. The operation reportedly struck terrorist bases in Pakistan, sending a clear message of India’s resolve against cross-border terrorism.

The government’s strong military and diplomatic stance, coupled with public statements from top ministers, aimed to reassure citizens and deter further attacks. It is this decisive action that Faisal Patel cited as evidence of PM Modi’s effective leadership.

The Road Ahead for Faisal Patel

While Faisal Patel remains officially a Congress member, his future political path remains uncertain. His willingness to praise political opponents may appeal to voters seeking leaders who put national interest above party politics. At the same time, it may also stir debate within Congress about loyalty and party discipline.

Whether he returns to active politics soon or continues his sabbatical, Faisal Patel’s statements will likely keep him in the political spotlight for weeks to come.

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