Congress Accuses Rajnath Singh of Misleading Lok Sabha Over Operation Sindoor Casualties

In a significant political development, Congress leader KC Venugopal has filed a privilege notice against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the Lok Sabha, accusing him of misleading members regarding the fatalities in Operation Sindoor. Venugopal’s move comes in light of Singh’s statements made during a parliamentary debate last year, where he claimed that no Indian soldiers had lost their lives during the military operation.

The controversy revolves around Singh’s assertions made on July 28, 2025, during discussions about the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. At the time, Singh had stated, “If you have to ask a question, ask whether any harm came to our brave soldiers during this operation. The answer to that is no.” This statement has been called into question following a recent government disclosure that identified six military personnel who were killed during the operation.

On June 26, the names of five soldiers from the Indian Army and one Air Force staff member were added to the Roll of Honour on the National War Memorial website, sparking outrage among Congress leaders who argue that Singh’s previous comments were not only misleading but incorrect. All six servicemen sacrificed their lives during the operation and were later awarded gallantry honors in August 2025, further raising questions about the integrity of Singh’s statements in the House.

Venugopal, in his letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, emphasized that misleading the House or withholding information from it constitutes a grave ethical breach for any minister. He stated, “It is well established that misleading the House or withholding information from the House by a minister on the floor of the House is a serious matter that cannot be overlooked.” This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the Congress party and the ruling government, particularly around issues of national security and accountability.

The political implications of this privilege notice could be significant as it not only draws attention to the accountability of ministers but also raises questions regarding the government’s transparency in matters of military operations. The Congress party has been vocal about what it perceives as a lack of accountability and clarity from the government, especially concerning sensitive issues involving the armed forces.

Source: scroll.in