The Indian National Congress on Thursday announced a series of nationwide events titled ‘Jai Hind Sabhas’, to be held from May 20 to 30 in 15 key locations across India. These meetings aim to honour the valour of the Indian Armed Forces while also raising serious questions on national security lapses and the government’s silence over the reported involvement of the United States in halting hostilities between India and Pakistan.
The initiative was announced by Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K. C. Venugopal, who posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
“Indian National Congress will hold ‘Jai Hind Sabhas’ across India to salute the supreme valour and success of our Armed Forces. We must also raise serious concerns about recent security lapses, the handling of national security, and the silence around the US involvement in our security matters.”
These public meetings will involve Army veterans, Congress leaders, and the general public, and will be held in Delhi, Barmer, Shimla, Haldwani, Patna, Jabalpur, Pune, Goa, Bengaluru, Kochi, Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, and Pathankot.
‘Operation Sindoor’ and Government Accountability
The announcement follows closely after the Congress party accused the BJP of politicising the recent military action, Operation Sindoor, and attempting to turn it into a branding exercise for electoral gains. Congress leaders argue that while the bravery belongs to the armed forces, the government is using their sacrifice for political mileage.
At a joint press conference held on Wednesday, senior Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera criticised the “PR-centric” approach of the BJP, calling for professionalism and institutional accountability in matters of national security.
CWC Resolution Slams Pahalgam Intelligence Failure
A Congress Working Committee (CWC) resolution passed during the same meeting expressed deep concern over the attack in Pahalgam, terming it an apparent intelligence failure.
“Despite known threats and rising tensions in the region, terrorists succeeded in executing a major attack, claiming precious lives,” the resolution stated.
“No accountability has been fixed yet, which is deeply troubling. The government must clarify why adequate preventive measures weren’t in place.”
The CWC also demanded the immediate apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the attack.
Questions Over Ceasefire and US Involvement
The Congress further raised eyebrows over the abrupt cessation of India’s retaliatory military action against Pakistan, noting that the lack of official explanation has led to speculation nationwide. The issue was compounded, according to the party, by former US President Donald Trump’s claims of having mediated the ceasefire by allegedly using trade threats to pressure India.
“This revelation, if true, raises serious questions about national sovereignty and strategic autonomy,” the CWC said.
“The government’s refusal to comment on or deny these claims is inexplicable and unacceptable.”
“Security Cannot Be Managed by Optics Alone”
In closing, the CWC warned that national security must not be reduced to TV-friendly optics and urged the government to act with professional rigour and responsibility.
“Security demands vigilance, not visuals. It requires institutional readiness and transparency, not grandstanding,” said Ramesh.
The upcoming ‘Jai Hind Sabhas’ are expected to amplify these concerns and mobilize public support for greater accountability in national security affairs.
