BJP Calls Rahul Gandhi ‘Modern-Age Mir Jafar’ Over Operation Sindoor Remarks
The BJP on Monday launched a sharp attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of helping Pakistan push a “false narrative” about India’s recent Operation Sindoor. Referring to him as a “modern-age Mir Jafar,” BJP leaders alleged that Gandhi’s public criticism was being used by Pakistani media to distort facts and undermine India’s military success.
The controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi posted on X (formerly Twitter), questioning the silence of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over the number of aircraft India lost during Operation Sindoor — an air campaign that reportedly asserted Indian dominance in a recent border escalation.
BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya was among the first to react, sharing a clip of Pakistani news channels showcasing Rahul Gandhi’s post and calling it a tool for anti-India propaganda. “This isn’t new. In the past as well, the Pakistani establishment has gleefully cited Rahul Gandhi’s statements in international forums,” Malviya said.
He accused Gandhi of consistently offering political cover to those who sponsor cross-border terrorism. “At what point does political ambition give way to national responsibility?” Malviya asked, concluding that “Rahul Gandhi is the modern-age Mir Jafar.”
Malviya also slammed Gandhi for not congratulating Prime Minister Modi on the “flawless” execution of Operation Sindoor and instead choosing to cast doubts on India’s strategic achievements.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also condemned Gandhi’s remarks, calling them “disrespectful” to India’s armed forces. “Despite clear statements from the IAF and MEA confirming there were no asset losses, Rahul Gandhi continues to question the nation’s military,” Joshi said on X.
He added that Gandhi misquoted the Ministry of External Affairs and ignored the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)’s May 11 briefing that denied any Indian aircraft losses.
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Dr Krishank joined the BJP in criticizing Gandhi, stating that he had “become a saviour for Pakistan’s narrative.” He argued that as Leader of Opposition, Gandhi had the option to raise such concerns in a closed-door all-party meeting instead of making public statements on social media during a sensitive time.
“Do continue to ask questions, Rahul ji, but at the right time, right place so that it strengthens Indian voices, not its Opponents,” Krishank advised.
Despite mounting criticism, Rahul Gandhi doubled down on his stance. Speaking on Monday, he reiterated that the Centre informed Pakistan “at the start” of Operation Sindoor — a move he termed not just a “lapse” but a “crime.”
The government, however, has rejected these claims. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a fact-check dismissing the allegations as false and misleading.
Operation Sindoor, executed earlier this month, was presented by the government as a significant military success aimed at neutralizing cross-border threats. Official briefings from the DGMO and MEA stated that India faced no aircraft losses, and the mission sent a clear signal of India’s dominance..
