Congress Backs Centre on Operation Sindoor, Kharge Questions PM Modi’s Absence at All-Party Meet

New Delhi, 8th May 2025: In a show of solidarity amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, the Congress party has pledged its full support to the Centre’s response to cross-border terrorism during an all-party meeting held on Thursday. The meeting was convened following India’s execution of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a series of targeted missile strikes on terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC), including locations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

While extending unequivocal support to the government’s national security measures, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated absence from critical discussions. “The Prime Minister has skipped these meetings twice now. It seems he believes he is above parliamentary engagement. While this is not the time for criticism, we will raise this matter when the time is right,” Kharge told reporters after the meeting.

Kharge further stated that although the government cited national security concerns and confidentiality as reasons for withholding certain information, all parties expressed solidarity. “We assured them that we stand united in the interest of the nation and will support all necessary measures,” he added.

Echoing Kharge’s sentiments, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, reaffirmed Congress’s backing of the government’s actions. “We gave full support. As Kharge ji said, these matters are sensitive and not for public discussion, but unity is essential,” Gandhi said.

The high-level briefing was held at the Parliament Annexe, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh apprised political leaders of the strategic operations undertaken by Indian forces. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister JP Nadda, Congress leaders Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, among others, were present at the meeting.

Operation Sindoor marked a decisive response to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, with India targeting nine terror infrastructure facilities across the border in the early hours of Wednesday. The government has maintained that these actions were necessary to safeguard national interests and deter future threats.