New Delhi, July 29, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Lok Sabha during the ongoing Monsoon Session, launched a sharp attack on the Congress party, alleging that some of its leaders were “elated” when Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistan in 2019.
The remark came amid a heated debate on national security and the government’s handling of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Modi’s statement was part of a broader critique of the Opposition’s stance on defence matters, accusing them of undermining the morale of the armed forces.
“When our brave pilot Abhinandan was captured, many in the Congress camp were celebrating. Their faces lit up with joy. What kind of politics is this?” the Prime Minister said, drawing loud reactions from both sides of the House.
The Prime Minister’s comments were met with strong objections from Congress MPs, who demanded that the remarks be withdrawn. Congress leaders accused Modi of politicizing a sensitive national security issue and misrepresenting their position.
The BJP, however, defended the Prime Minister’s statement, citing past instances where Congress leaders allegedly questioned the government’s military decisions and sought proof of surgical strikes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh backed Modi’s remarks, reiterating that the armed forces deserve unequivocal support from all political parties.
The debate over Operation Sindoor has intensified political fault lines, with the ruling party portraying it as a decisive and successful counter-terror operation, while the Opposition continues to raise concerns over intelligence failures and strategic communication.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by Pakistani forces in February 2019 after his MiG-21 Bison was shot down during an aerial dogfight. He was released after diplomatic negotiations and returned to India to a hero’s welcome.
