Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh has openly praised the Centre’s “political will” for the success of Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the April Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. He said the forces were given “full freedom” to act, directly countering Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s claims that the government restricted the military.
Rahul Gandhi Alleges Restrictions on IAF Pilots
In a recent Parliament discussion, Rahul Gandhi accused the government of “tying the hands” of Indian Air Force pilots. He alleged, “You told our pilots to go and attack and face the air defence system of Pakistan. Meaning, you tied their hands behind their back,” suggesting they were instructed not to strike Pakistani air defence systems.
Air Chief Denies Any Political Restrictions
Rejecting Gandhi’s claim, Air Chief Marshal Singh said there were “no kind of restrictions” during the operation. He explained, “There was very clear political will, very clear directions, which were given to us. And there were no kind of restrictions which were put on us.”
He further clarified that any limitations were “self-made” by the forces for operational reasons. “I want to make it very clear, there were no, I repeat, no restrictions on us. Full freedom was given to us to plan and execute,” Singh added, confirming that six Pakistani aircraft were shot down in the mission.
BJP Launches Political Counterattack
Singh’s statement triggered a strong BJP offensive against the Congress. The party’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya said there was a “deathly silence in both the Congress and Pakistan media” after the Air Chief revealed the destruction of Pakistani fighter aircraft and military installations.
He mocked Gandhi’s Parliament remarks, saying, “The timing is surreal, coming right after Rahul Gandhi made a complete fool of himself on the floor of Parliament.”
Assam CM Says Congress Should “Be Ashamed”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Singh’s statement should “put the Congress party to shame.” He accused Congress leaders of spreading lies about India’s losses and running “another Pak-originated disinfo campaign” claiming the Modi government had restricted the forces.
Kiren Rijiju Urges Gandhi to Uphold Parliamentary Standards
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised Gandhi for repeatedly making false claims. “Why do you keep lying all the time? I have witnessed many Leaders of Opposition who have maintained Parliamentary standards. You have not only lowered your stature but damaged India’s high reputation,” he said.
BJP leaders also circulated a video online showing Singh’s remarks to refute Gandhi’s allegations.
