Opposition parties express complete support for armed forces

Soon after the Indian armed forces’ strikes on “terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir”, the Congress called for an urgent meeting of its working committee (CWC) to discuss the security situation, following which grand old party’s top leaders pledged support to the country’s military.

“We discussed the situation in the CWC meeting. We extend our full support to our forces. Best wishes to them. Much love to them. Complete support from the Congress party and the Congress Working Committee,” Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi told reporters.

“We had called for a CWC meeting to review the situation and measures that our government is taking. We are proud of our armed forces. Under the banner of Operation Sindoor, our soldiers have shown their mettle by giving a fitting response (to Pahalgam terror attack) through their brave and decisive strikes on terrorist hideouts Pakistan and PoK. We salute our soldiers for their bravery, determination, and patriotism,” Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said.

“Our national policy on Pakistan and PoK-sponsored terrorism is clear and unwavering. At this moment, national unity and solidarity are of utmost importance. The Indian National Congress stands firmly with our Armed Forces,” he said.

“Our leaders have always placed national interest above all and shown the country the path of unity and resolve. History bears witness to how our great leaders have kept national interest always on the top. They were even martyred while prioritising the nation’s interest. We again extend our full support to our soldiers to secure our independence and national unity. There is no dispute or difference of opinion here,” Kharge added.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav echoed similar sentiments and praised the armed forces.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin, along with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, said that the country stands firmly with the Indian armed forces.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi also welcomed the “surgical strikes” carried out by the armed forces.

“I welcome the surgical strikes carried out by our defence forces on terrorist camps in Pakistan. The Pakistani deep state must be taught a tough lesson so that another Pahalgam never happens again. Pakistan’s terror infrastructure must be completely destroyed. Jai Hind!”, he said.

CPI(M) reiterated that in the all-party meeting held following the Pahalgam attack, all political parties extended support to the Union government’s measures against terrorists and their handlers. “Along with these actions, pressure should continue on Pakistan to hand over those responsible for the massacre of innocent people in Pahalgam and to ensure that no terrorist camps operate from its territory,” CPI(M) Polit Bureau said in a statement.

“The targeted nature of the strikes — avoiding Pakistani military assets and focusing solely on terrorist infrastructure — demonstrates a calibrated and non-escalatory approach, prioritising accountability without inviting full-scale conflict,” said CPI’s D Raja.

Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of the Shiv Sena also backed the Army’s actions.

“Salute to the bravery of Indian soldiers!” read a post from the party’s official X handle.

Arvind Kejriwal, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief, said: “We are proud of the Indian Army and our brave soldiers. 140 crore Indians stand with the Indian Army in this fight against terrorism. We are all united. Jai Hind!”

NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule said: ” I am very proud of Indian army, they have done an extraordinarily measured action. I appreciate the statement by the govt of India. They have clearly said that it is a very measured action, and I respect that because this fight is not against any country or any civilians, it is against terrorism.”

Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, opposition leader in Andhra Pradesh, called it a “decisive response” and added: “During such times, such inevitable actions reflect the nation’s unwavering strength in safeguarding its sovereignty and protecting its citizens. All of us stand by you.”