Congress leader Ajay Rai’s ‘fishy’ remark on Operation Sindoor sparks BJP fury over ‘Army insult’

A fresh political firestorm has erupted after Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai questioned the credibility of Operation Sindoor, India’s high-profile military retaliation against Pakistan in May 2025. Rai’s comment that “something is fishy” about the differing statements from top defence officials has drawn sharp condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Congress of “demeaning the armed forces” and “glorifying Pakistan.”

Speaking to reporters on October 3, Rai said, “The Chief of Defence Staff says something, the Army Chief says something else, and different people give different statements in completely different ways. This clearly indicates that there is something fishy. The truth and the reality should be brought before the country openly, and the whole matter should be clarified.”

His remarks came hours after Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi made separate statements about the success of Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Operation Sindoor – Strategic Overview

The BJP responded swiftly, accusing Rai of undermining national security and disrespecting the armed forces. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “Sena ka apmaan aur Pakistan ka gungaan, yahi ban gayi hai Congress party ki ek lauti pehchaan (Insulting the Army and glorifying Pakistan has become Congress’s only identity).”

Another BJP leader, Tuhin Sinha, called Rai’s statement “absolutely disgusting,” adding, “Casting aspersions on our armed forces and disbelieving the success of Operation Sindoor is shameful. Whether it is Sam Pitroda or Ajay Rai, they speak the mind and language of their boss Rahul Gandhi.”

Political Reactions – Party-Wise Breakdown

Rai, who has contested and lost thrice against Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi, insisted that his comments were aimed at seeking clarity, not disrespecting soldiers. “Everyone respects the soldier of the country. He serves Mother India by risking his life. But the government must be transparent about what actually happened,” he said.

The controversy comes at a time when the Indian Army and Air Force have been issuing detailed briefings about Operation Sindoor. Air Chief Marshal Singh recently stated that Indian forces destroyed multiple Pakistani military assets, including hangars, radars, command centres, and runways. General Dwivedi warned that India would not show restraint in future conflicts, saying, “This time, we will act in a manner that will make Pakistan think whether it wants to remain on the world map or not.”

Military Statements – Operation Sindoor Highlights

Security analysts believe the controversy reflects deeper political fault lines over national security narratives. “Operation Sindoor was a tactical success, but the political messaging around it is being weaponized. The Congress is demanding transparency, while the BJP is using patriotism as a shield,” said Lt Gen (Retd) Rakesh Sharma.

Social media platforms have exploded with reactions, with hashtags like #OperationSindoor, #AjayRaiControversy, and #ArmyRespect trending across Twitter/X, Facebook, and YouTube.

Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Ajay Rai’s Remarks

The Congress party has not issued an official statement distancing itself from Rai’s remarks, but internal sources suggest that senior leaders are concerned about the timing and tone of his comments. With Assembly elections approaching in several states, the party is wary of being seen as anti-Army or soft on national security.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have called for an apology and demanded that Congress clarify its position on Operation Sindoor. “This is not just a political issue—it’s about the morale of our soldiers. Congress must choose whether it stands with India or against it,” said BJP spokesperson Tom Vadakkan.

In conclusion, Ajay Rai’s ‘fishy’ remark on Operation Sindoor has ignited a fierce political debate, with the BJP framing it as an insult to the armed forces and the Congress defending it as a call for transparency. As the controversy unfolds, it underscores the delicate balance between national security, political accountability, and public perception in India’s evolving democracy.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, verified media reports, and official commentary. It does not constitute endorsement or prediction of any political outcome. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official government and party updates for verified information.