Congress demands defence minister Rajnath’s resignation over disclosure of Military casualties
India’s main opposition party, the Congress, has called for the resignation of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accusing him of misleading Parliament regarding military casualties sustained during the May 2025 military conflict between India and Pakistan. The demand was made during a press conference on Wednesday and has intensified political debate over the government’s handling of information related to the conflict.
The opposition party also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to issue a public apology over the deaths of six Indian armed forces personnel during Operation Sindoor, arguing that the government failed to acknowledge the sacrifices of the soldiers in a timely manner.
The controversy follows the Indian government’s official confirmation on June 26, 2025, of the deaths of six military personnel. Their names were added to the Roll of Honour on the National War Memorial website, marking the first official public recognition of fatalities suffered by the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor. According to reports, the six personnel included five members of the Indian Army and one member of the Indian Air Force.
The military confrontation between India and Pakistan began on the night of May 6–7, 2025. India launched military strikes following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, located in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan-based elements for the attack, while Pakistan denied involvement and rejected the allegations.
The conflict lasted approximately 87 hours and involved cross-border missile strikes, drone operations, and aerial engagements between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Pakistan claimed that its armed forces shot down eight Indian fighter aircraft, including French-made Rafale jets, along with dozens of drones. India has not publicly confirmed Pakistan’s claims regarding aircraft losses.
Hostilities came to an end on May 10, 2025, after both countries agreed to a ceasefire. The truce was reportedly facilitated through diplomatic efforts led by the United States, helping prevent further escalation between the two nations.
Speaking at the press conference, Congress Ex-Servicemen Department Chairperson Colonel (Retd.) Rohit Chaudhry and Wing Commander (Retd.) Anuma Acharya alleged that the government deliberately delayed informing the public about the deaths of the six military personnel. They argued that withholding the information prevented the fallen soldiers from receiving immediate public recognition and the honour they deserved.
Colonel Chaudhry criticised the government’s handling of the issue, alleging that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had provided inaccurate information to Parliament by stating that India had not suffered any military losses during the operation. He further accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misleading the public and Parliament.
“When Rajnath Singh stated in Parliament that no soldier had suffered any loss, BJP MPs applauded him. The government has misled the country and Parliament. Those responsible should be held accountable,” Chaudhry said during the press conference.
In a separate development, Congress Member of Parliament K.C. Venugopal initiated privilege proceedings against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the Lok Sabha. According to media reports, Venugopal alleged that the minister had misled Parliament by failing to disclose the deaths of the six armed forces personnel during official statements related to Operation Sindoor.
The allegations have added to the political controversy surrounding the government’s handling of information during the conflict. While the opposition has demanded accountability and transparency, the government has yet to issue a detailed response to the Congress party’s latest accusations.