New Delhi, July 29, 2025 — In a fiery and emotionally charged address to Parliament today, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a blistering attack on the government's handling of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and its broader counter-terrorism strategy. Speaking during the crucial debate on "Operation Sindoor," Gandhi accused the ruling dispensation of grave administrative lapses, a misplaced focus on publicity, and a fundamental failure to ensure citizen safety, demanding immediate accountability from the highest echelons of power.
The debate, which aimed to highlight the perceived success of "Operation Sindoor"—a retaliatory military strike launched by India on May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam massacre—took an unexpected turn as Gandhi shifted the focus from military triumphs to the glaring security failures that preceded the tragedy.
The Haunting Shadow of Pahalgam
The Pahalgam terror attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, in the picturesque Baisaran Valley, approximately 7 km from Pahalgam town in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, remains a grim reminder of the fragility of peace in the region. Five armed terrorists, later identified as operatives of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), unleashed a brutal mass shooting that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and one local pony operator. Another 20 individuals were injured.
"Indira Gandhi never took credit," said Priyanka Gandhi as she called out PM Modi over Op Sindoor. pic.twitter.com/fedbOESgev
— Brut India (@BrutIndia) July 29, 2025A Scathing Indictment of Government Preparedness
Priyanka Gandhi's speech resonated deeply as she highlighted the government's alleged failure to provide basic security and medical arrangements for pilgrims. "Thousands travel the route daily, yet people were left at God’s mercy," she asserted, her voice laced with indignation. She pointedly questioned, "Will the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defence Minister, or NSA take responsibility for this lapse?"
She criticized the government's narrative of promoting tourism in Kashmir while seemingly neglecting the ground realities of security. "People went to Pahalgam trusting this government, and the government left them to the mercy of God," she stated, demanding to know why no security personnel were present in the Baisaran Valley despite the heavy tourist footfall.
Gandhi further accused the ruling party of prioritizing "publicity and credit for military operations" over genuine accountability. She drew a sharp contrast with past administrations, recalling how chief ministers and home ministers had resigned following major terror attacks, emphasizing that "leadership is not just about taking credit, but responsibility also needs to be taken." She questioned the three-year delay in officially designating TRF as a terror group, a delay she implied contributed to the security vacuum.
Operation Sindoor: A Pause or a Retreat?
The Congress leader also raised uncomfortable questions about "Operation Sindoor," the retaliatory strike launched on May 7, 2025, which targeted terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had declared the operation a success, claiming over 100 terrorists were killed and no Indian soldier casualties, he also stated that the operation was "paused" on May 10 after Pakistan sought a ceasefire.
Gandhi seized upon this, highlighting that the ceasefire announcement was made not by the Indian government or army, but by the US President. "For the first time in the history of our country, war has been halted and it is not announced by our government or army but by the US President. This reflects the irresponsibility of our Prime Minister," she contended, implying external pressure influenced the decision to halt the operation. The opposition has consistently sought clarity on why the operation was stopped and questioned the government on alleged losses of Indian jets during the conflict, claims the government has vehemently denied.
An Emotional Plea for Empathy and Accountability
In a poignant moment that hushed the House, Priyanka Gandhi shared her personal experience with terror, having lost her father, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, to an attack. She then proceeded to read out the names of the 25 Indian victims of the Pahalgam attack, one by one, asserting that she was doing so "so that every member of the House realises that they too were human beings like us, not pawns in some political game."
This act sparked a heated exchange with the treasury benches, who repeatedly shouted "Hindu" after each name, emphasizing the victims' religious identity. Gandhi, however, countered with a firm "Bharatiya," asserting their identity as citizens of India, culminating her list with a resounding "Jai Hind." This exchange underscored the deep political polarization surrounding the incident and the narrative of victimhood.
A Warning and a Demand for Transparency
Priyanka Gandhi concluded her powerful speech with a stark warning: “No number of successful operations can excuse administrative lapses that cost citizens’ lives.” She called on the government to provide transparent answers, prioritize preparedness, and show "real respect for all victims," not just through military action but through comprehensive security and accountability.
Her impassioned address has ignited intense political debate, drawing both praise from the opposition for her directness and criticism from the ruling party for allegedly politicizing a national tragedy. The speech has resonated widely on social media, amplifying public calls for improved citizen protection and greater government accountability in the ongoing fight against terrorism. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and the complexities of cross-border terrorism, Priyanka Gandhi's voice has added a significant dimension to the discourse, pushing for a more introspective and responsible approach from those in power.