Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh credited the government for giving the Indian Air Force (IAF) “full freedom” during Operation Sindoor. His remark directly contradicted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s charge that the Centre “tied the hands” of jawans.
Operation Sindoor Backed by Political Will
Singh praised the Centre’s “political will” for the mission’s success. The operation aimed to avenge the killing of 26 civilians in the April Pahalgam terror attack. He said the political leadership gave clear directions and imposed no operational limits.
“There was very clear political will, very clear directions, which were given to us. And there were no kind of restrictions which were put on us,” Singh stated. He added that the IAF destroyed six Pakistani aircraft in the operation.
Rahul Gandhi’s Charge in Parliament
Earlier, during a special Parliament session, Gandhi accused the government of restricting IAF pilots. He claimed they were told not to target Pakistani air defence systems. “You told our pilots to go and attack and face the air defence system of Pakistan. Meaning, you tied their hands behind their back,” Gandhi alleged.
Air Force Chief Refutes Allegations
Singh firmly rejected Gandhi’s claim. “If there were any constraints, they were self-made. We, the forces, decided what our rules of engagement will be… I want to make it very clear, there were no, I repeat, no restrictions on us. Full freedom was given to us to plan and execute,” he emphasised.
BJP Launches Political Attack on Congress
Singh’s statement triggered a sharp political reaction from the BJP. Party IT cell chief Amit Malviya accused Congress of maintaining silence after the revelation.
“There is a deathly silence in both the Congress and Pakistan media after Air Chief Marshal AP Singh revealed details of Pakistani fighter aircraft and military installations destroyed during #OperationSindoor,” Malviya wrote on X. He mocked Gandhi, calling the timing “surreal” and claiming the Leader of Opposition had lost all credibility.
Other BJP Leaders Join the Criticism
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Singh’s words should “put the Congress party to shame.” He accused Congress of spreading lies about India’s losses and running a “Pak-originated disinfo campaign” against the Modi government’s military policy.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised Gandhi. “Why do you keep lying all the time? I have witnessed many Leaders of Opposition who have maintained Parliamentary standards. You have not only lowered your stature but damaged India’s high reputation,” Rijiju said.
BJP Shares Video Evidence
To counter Gandhi’s statement, BJP leaders circulated a video of Singh’s remarks on Operation Sindoor. The clip highlighted Singh’s assertion that the Air Force faced no restrictions during the mission.