Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and President of the Indian National Congress, delivered a pointed speech in the Upper House on Tuesday, urging the Central Government to track down and eliminate the remaining terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. His remarks came during a fierce debate on Operation Sindoor, a military operation recently halted under circumstances that have drawn increasing scrutiny from the Opposition.

Kharge’s address was sharply critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence over US President Donald Trump’s claims that he facilitated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during the operation. The Congress President emphasized that such significant declarations regarding India’s national security should come from Indian leadership, not foreign heads of state.

“Ceasefire was not announced by our Prime Minister or Defence Minister. It came from Washington,” Kharge said, expressing disapproval over what he termed a “surrender of sovereignty in communication.”

He questioned the government’s handling of the situation, especially in the wake of Trump’s assertion that five fighter jets were shot down during the May conflict. Kharge demanded that PM Modi provide clarity on whether any Indian aircraft was actually lost, as national morale and military reputation were at stake.

Criticism of the Government’s Silence and International Optics

Kharge also made pointed remarks about the Huston rally in 2019, where PM Modi publicly supported Trump’s re-election with the slogan, “Phir ek baar Trump sarkar.” Using this context, he added:

“Now he should openly condemn his dear friend, who recently claimed five jets were downed during the Indo-Pak standoff.”

According to Kharge, such false narratives by global leaders cannot go unchallenged, especially when they involve serious military incidents. He demanded a transparent explanation on the terms of the ceasefire and whether any external parties, especially the United States, played a role in mediating it.

Kharge also took issue with the apparent absence of an Indian-originated ceasefire declaration, reinforcing the notion that such vital decisions must always be formally and transparently communicated by India’s defense or external affairs leadership.

Demand for Full Disclosure and Counter-Terror Strategy

Raising concerns about the continuing threat from terrorists involved in the Pahalgam incident, Kharge stressed the need for swift and definitive counter-terror operations.

“The government must find and eradicate every remaining terrorist responsible for the attack,” he said.

He called the abrupt halt of Operation Sindoor questionable and argued that transparency is required on the status of the operation, the casualties reported, and the next steps planned to secure national borders and internal areas of vulnerability like Jammu and Kashmir.

He also urged the Union Government to treat national security as a bipartisan issue, calling for cooperation between political parties instead of exchanges of blame.

PM Modi’s Silence Questioned Across Opposition Lines

Kharge’s address comes a day after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s fiery speech in the Lok Sabha, where she too demanded answers on the “sudden discontinuation of Operation Sindoor” and the lack of adequate security in Baisaran Valley, where the attack took place. Kharge and Gandhi’s coordinated criticism appears to be part of the Congress’s strategy to amplify public concerns about national security lapses and pressurize the government to disclose details.

He also referenced derogatory remarks allegedly made by BJP ministers against the armed forces, calling them “deeply disrespectful and demoralizing.”

“The government must rein in its members from making irresponsible statements that insult the bravery of our soldiers,” he asserted.

Trump’s Fighter Jet Claims Spark Fresh Controversy

The most controversial point of Kharge’s speech was the demand for clarification over Trump’s fighter jet claim. Trump had reportedly told a media outlet that “five jets were downed” during the brief but intense Indo-Pakistan skirmish in May. However, neither the Indian government nor the Ministry of Defence has issued an official confirmation or denial.

Kharge pressed for immediate clarification:

“If no Indian fighter jet has been downed, PM Modi should come forward and say it clearly. The country wants to know the truth.”

He warned that continued silence could be interpreted globally as tacit admission or diplomatic submission, further compromising India’s military image and geopolitical stance.

Call for Parliamentary Committee on Operation Sindoor

In a closing recommendation, Kharge suggested the formation of a Parliamentary Oversight Committee to investigate the conduct and outcome of Operation Sindoor, the nature of the ceasefire, and the extent of external influence—if any—in ending the operation. Such a committee, he stated, could restore public trust and provide accountability.

“The people of India deserve to know the full truth—who decided what, and why,” Kharge concluded.

Political Reactions and Forward Outlook

Following Kharge’s speech, BJP leaders countered the claims, asserting that national security operations cannot be publicly discussed in full detail for strategic reasons. Union ministers refrained from addressing the Trump controversy directly, instead focusing on reaffirming support for the armed forces.

Political analysts believe this coordinated offensive by senior Congress leaders could push the Modi government into issuing a formal statement on Trump’s comments, the ceasefire’s origin, and the remaining threat from Pahalgam militants.

Meanwhile, the Opposition is expected to continue pushing the issue across both Houses of Parliament, demanding answers on India’s counter-terrorism posture, foreign influence in ceasefire decisions, and the abrupt halt of Operation Sindoor.

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