Congress Slams PM Modi’s NDA-Only Meeting Plan on Operation Sindoor, Flags Political Motives
The Congress party has openly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported decision to meet exclusively with NDA Chief Ministers next week, calling it a clear attempt by the BJP to score political points from India’s recent military action, codenamed Operation Sindoor. The opposition argues that sidelining Congress Chief Ministers in such a crucial discussion smacks of double standards and political opportunism.
What’s the Controversy?
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the inconsistency in Modi’s approach. He pointed out that while the PM is organizing a meeting only with NDA Chief Ministers on May 25th, he expects MPs from all parties to participate in delegations abroad aimed at explaining India’s stance on terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Jairam questioned this move, implying it was a tactical play by the BJP to monopolize the narrative domestically while projecting unity internationally.
In his own words, Ramesh wrote:
“The PM has called for a meeting of ONLY NDA Chief Ministers on May 25th to take political mileage from Operation Sindoor. But he now wants MPs from all parties to go abroad as a delegation for explaining India's stance on terrorism from Pakistan.”
This glaring contradiction was a key point in the Congress criticism, underlining the BJP’s tendency to politicize national security issues selectively.
Congress Demands Unity, But BJP Refuses Special Parliament Session
One of the more glaring points raised by Congress was the BJP government’s refusal to convene a special session of Parliament that the Indian National Congress had been calling for. This session was meant to demonstrate collective resolve and unity in light of India’s military operations against Pakistan.
According to Jairam Ramesh, the Congress has been pushing for this session since February 22, 1994, when Parliament passed a unanimous resolution on terrorism. However, the PM has chosen to ignore this call, further highlighting a reluctance to showcase bipartisan solidarity.
“The Prime Minister has not agreed to call a special session of Parliament that the Indian National Congress has been demanding to demonstrate a collective will and reiterate the resolution passed unanimously by Parliament on February 22, 1994,” Ramesh emphasized.
This refusal has not gone unnoticed. Congress views it as a sign that the BJP prefers to control the narrative around national security on its own terms, rather than foster genuine cooperation.
Multi-Party Delegations: A Diplomatic Move or Political Strategy?
Starting next week, the NDA government plans to dispatch several multi-party delegations abroad. The goal? To launch a major diplomatic offensive aimed at exposing Pakistan-backed terrorism and highlighting India’s military success under Operation Sindoor.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor will be part of one such delegation. Other MPs from various parties, including the opposition, have been approached and many have agreed to participate.
This is where the Congress finds itself walking a tightrope. While it supports the idea of presenting a united Indian front internationally against terrorism, it also refuses to ignore what it sees as the BJP’s double standards domestically.
Jairam Ramesh made it clear:
“The Indian National Congress always takes a position in the supreme national interest and never politicises national security issues like the BJP does. Hence, the INC will definitely be a part of these delegations.”
This statement aims to draw a sharp contrast between Congress’s professed patriotism and the BJP’s alleged political opportunism.
The Political Backdrop: Why Operation Sindoor Is a Hot Topic
Operation Sindoor refers to a recent military action carried out by India in response to cross-border terrorism and escalating tensions with Pakistan. The BJP has been aggressively promoting the operation as a significant success and a demonstration of India’s resolve against terrorism.
This narrative has been heavily used by the BJP for political mileage, especially with state elections and national politics in mind. Hence, the decision to meet only NDA Chief Ministers—leaders aligned with the ruling party—on this matter appears to be an effort to consolidate support and showcase a united front among BJP allies.
Congress, however, sees this as exclusionary and divisive. By not including Congress-led states or Chief Ministers from opposition parties, the BJP is accused of turning a national security issue into a partisan spectacle.
Congress Calls Out BJP’s “Defamation” Campaign
Beyond the specifics of the meetings and delegations, Congress accuses the BJP of consistently defaming the opposition instead of encouraging national unity during a sensitive time.
Jairam Ramesh remarked that while India faces external threats, the ruling party has chosen to undermine the Congress party domestically through negative campaigns rather than seeking collaborative strength.
This political infighting, according to Congress, weakens India’s ability to present a strong, united front against terrorism—both inside the country and on the global stage.
What This Means for India’s National Security Dialogue
The whole episode raises questions about how India handles sensitive issues like terrorism and military actions politically. Should national security be used as a tool for political advantage, or should all parties unite to support the country’s efforts?
Congress argues for the latter, emphasizing that national security is too important to be politicized.
Some key takeaways from this controversy:
-
Unity is essential: National security matters should transcend party politics.
-
Inclusive dialogue: Meetings related to critical military operations should include all states and parties, not just ruling allies.
-
Bipartisan diplomacy: While delegations abroad include multiple parties, domestic discussions should also reflect this spirit.
-
Avoiding politicization: Parties should refrain from using military actions for electoral gain.
Congress Ready for Diplomatic Role Despite Domestic Disagreements
Despite the criticisms and political tension, the Congress has made it clear that it will play its part in the diplomatic efforts. Participation in international delegations signals the party’s willingness to present a united India abroad.
Senior leaders like Shashi Tharoor, known for their international experience and diplomatic engagement, will represent Congress in these missions. This involvement underscores Congress’s commitment to national interest, even when they disagree with the BJP’s methods at home.
What’s Next?
The week ahead will be telling. The May 25th meeting of NDA Chief Ministers will likely highlight how the BJP frames Operation Sindoor for political purposes domestically. Meanwhile, the international delegations will try to garner global support and understanding for India’s position on terrorism and cross-border aggression.
The Congress will be watching closely—and continuing to push for more inclusive and united political action within India.
In Summary: Key Highlights
-
PM Modi’s exclusive NDA-only Chief Ministers meeting on Operation Sindoor criticized by Congress.
-
Congress accuses BJP of double standards, political opportunism.
-
Congress demands special Parliament session to show bipartisan unity, which BJP has refused.
-
NDA government launching multi-party diplomatic delegations abroad; Congress leaders to participate.
-
Congress insists on politicization-free national security and unity.
-
Senior Congress figures like Shashi Tharoor to be part of foreign delegations.
-
Congress commits to national interest despite political disagreements at home.
This whole episode serves as a reminder of how sensitive topics like military action and terrorism need careful handling — beyond party lines — to truly benefit the nation.
If India can bring all political voices together, it will not only strengthen its domestic front but also present a powerful united image globally.
Login