Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, May 30
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday said that the Congress ideology is rooted in patriotism and that the ‘Jai Hind Sabha’ was organised to commemorate the sacrifices of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi in preserving India’s unity and sovereignty. While paying tributes to soldiers from Himachal Pradesh who fought in the 1962, 1971, and 1999 Kargil wars, Sukhu said that the Congress ideology stood firmly for patriotism and national unity. “Our soldiers’ sacrifices in Operation Sindoor and beyond are a matter of pride. This event is to honour them, not to politicise their bravery as the BJP does,” he said.
In a solemn ceremony underscored by patriotic sentiment, the Himachal Pradesh Congress unit held a ‘Jai Hind Sabha’ at the historic Peterhof in Shimla to honour the bravery and sacrifice of Indian Army veterans and martyrs’ families. The event was attended by senior Congress leader Ajay Maken and party in-charge Rajni Patil.
Maken while addressing the gathering, accused the BJP of taking disproportionate credit for military actions such as Operation Sindoor, highlighting that it was being celebrated through nationwide ‘Tiranga Yatras’. Referring to the 1972 Simla Agreement signed on the same soil, he alleged that India had deviated from its historical stance. “For the first time in 75 years, the US has mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The people deserve to know the terms. Why is the government silent?” he questioned.
He also pointed to the lack of international condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack, calling into question the effectiveness of India’s current foreign policy.
Congress leader Rajni Patil reinforced these criticisms, saying, “When Indira Gandhi led the nation to victory in 1971, bringing Pakistan to its knees, the Congress never used the Army for political propaganda. Today, BJP does just that.” The event witnessed emotional moments as families of fallen soldiers and retired veterans were felicitated with commendation certificates and financial support.
