Congress Seeks Privilege Motion Against Rajnath Singh Over Operation Sindoor Remarks
The Congress has intensified its attack on the Centre over Operation Sindoor, with senior party leader KC Venugopal seeking a privilege motion against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Congress alleges that Parliament was misled over the deaths of Indian security personnel during the military operation and has demanded action over the issue.
In a letter submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Venugopal requested that privilege proceedings be initiated against the Defence Minister, claiming that his earlier statement in Parliament did not accurately reflect the facts surrounding the operation.
Congress Questions Government's Earlier Statement
According to Venugopal, Rajnath Singh had informed Parliament during the discussion on Operation Sindoor in July 2025 that no Indian soldier had been martyred during the operation.
The Congress leader argued that the subsequent official recognition of six personnel who lost their lives during the operation contradicts that statement. He alleged that withholding or presenting incorrect information before Parliament amounts to misleading the House.
Venugopal said that misleading Parliament is considered a breach of privilege and urged the Speaker to take appropriate action against the Defence Minister.
Raises Concern Over Recognition of Fallen Personnel
The Congress leader also questioned why the sacrifice of the six personnel was officially acknowledged only after a considerable gap.
He said the delay in recognising their martyrdom was unfair to their families and to the armed forces, adding that the nation should have been informed about their sacrifice much earlier.
The Congress has maintained that soldiers who lose their lives while protecting the country deserve immediate recognition and transparency from the government.
Six Personnel Honoured at National War Memorial
The controversy gained momentum after the names of six defence personnel who died during Operation Sindoor were recently inscribed on the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
The personnel honoured include five Indian Army soldiers and one Indian Air Force sergeant who lost their lives while serving during the operation launched in May 2025.
Their names have been engraved on Wall No. 3D of the Tyag Chakra at the memorial, and details have also been updated on the National War Memorial's official records.
Operation Sindoor Followed Pahalgam Terror Attack
Operation Sindoor was launched by India after the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed.
The military operation targeted terrorist infrastructure across the border and was described by the government as a major counter-terror mission.
The latest political row has now shifted attention from the operation itself to the government's communication regarding casualties suffered during the mission.
With the Congress formally seeking privilege proceedings, the matter is expected to generate further debate during the ongoing Parliament session.
