New Delhi, May 19 (KNS): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday renewed his criticism of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, questioning his silence over the number of aircraft India might have lost after reportedly informing Pakistan about military action under Operation Sindoor.

In a post on X, Gandhi said, “EAM Jaishankar’s silence isn’t just telling, it’s damning. How many Indian aircraft did we lose because Pakistan knew? This wasn’t a lapse, it was a crime. The nation deserves the truth.”

The Congress leader also shared an undated video of Jaishankar, claiming the minister admitted India had informed Pakistan before launching the operation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), however, termed Gandhi’s claims as a “complete misrepresentation” of facts, clarifying that the statement referred to communications made after the operation began.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi accused Gandhi of disrespecting the armed forces and distorting official statements, while BJP IT Department head Amit Malviya alleged Gandhi was promoting a narrative favourable to Pakistan.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also condemned Gandhi’s remarks, saying, “Rahul Gandhi’s ignorance isn’t random — it’s dangerous. This is a deliberate attempt to feed a hostile narrative.”

Congress leader and AICC Media Department Chairman Pawan Khera defended Gandhi’s questions, arguing that the government owes the country an explanation. He cited recent claims by former US President Donald Trump about mediating to prevent a war between India and Pakistan.

“The government must clarify how many aircraft we lost, what damage occurred, and how many terrorists escaped,” Khera said, adding that opposition parties would continue to question the government on matters of national security.

Under Operation Sindoor, India reportedly destroyed nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7 in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. (KNS)