Jammu, May 30: A major political controversy erupted in Jammu on Thursday after BJP MLA and spokesperson Mr. R.S. Pathania made remarks allegedly blaming the Indian Air Force (IAF) for recent Pakistani incursions into Indian territory. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from the Congress party, which has accused him of undermining the morale of the armed forces and engaging in what it called “a political conspiracy.”
Reacting strongly, senior Congress leader Mr. Mohinder Bhardwaj called Mr. Pathania’s statement “appalling” and “derogatory,” stating that it disrespected one of the finest air forces in the world. “It is highly deplorable that an elected representative of a party that wears patriotism on its sleeve would stoop so low as to blame our armed forces for a terrorist attack,” Bhardwaj said in a press conference.
The controversy comes in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, which left multiple security personnel injured and raised fresh concerns about cross-border terrorism. Mr. Pathania allegedly singled out the IAF for lapses in preparedness, despite the Indian military’s swift and effective response to the incident.
“The Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and paramilitary forces acted decisively, destroying terrorist camps and giving a befitting reply to Pakistan. To blame them is not only factually incorrect but also morally repugnant,” Bhardwaj said.
The Congress leader went further, demanding that the BJP clarify whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi supports the views expressed by Mr. Pathania. “Is this the official stance of the ruling party? Or is Mr. Pathania acting as part of a well-planned political distraction to cover up the BJP’s own failures?” he asked.
Calling the MLA’s remarks “blasphemous” and “condemnable beyond words,” Bhardwaj alleged that the statements might be part of a broader attempt to politicize “Operation Sindoor,” an ongoing counter-terror operation in the region. He asserted that the armed forces demonstrated exceptional bravery and strategic superiority during the operation and should be lauded—not criticized.
“How dare Mr. Pathania falsely blame the Air Force personnel at the Udhampur station? Our armed forces are paragons of courage and professionalism. Such remarks amount to an attack on the nation’s integrity,” Bhardwaj said.
The Congress has demanded disciplinary action against Mr. Pathania and called for a case of treason to be registered against him. “Attacking the IAF is nothing short of ‘desh-droh’,” Bhardwaj concluded.
As of now, the BJP has not issued an official statement in response to the controversy.
