Senior Congress leader K C Venugopal has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, demanding that privilege proceedings be initiated against Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for allegedly misleading Parliament. Venugopal claims that Singh provided incorrect information regarding the number of Indian soldier casualties following the Pahalgam terror attack last year. The Congress leader has given a notice of privilege under Rule 223 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
In his letter, Venugopal stated that during discussions on the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the Operation Sindoor that followed, Singh claimed that no Indian soldier was martyred. However, a subsequent statement revealed that six armed forces personnel had died during Operation Sindoor. Venugopal emphasized that Singh’s statement on the floor of the House was clearly misleading and incorrect, constituting a breach of privilege and contempt of Parliament.
He has requested that privilege proceedings be initiated against the Defence Minister in the matter. Venugopal also posted a copy of the letter on social media, where he accused Singh of lying to the people of India during the debate on Operation Sindoor in Lok Sabha. The Congress leader expressed his outrage, stating that it was a grave insult to the families of the six martyrs and the entire armed forces that the people of India were not informed about their bravery and ultimate sacrifice.
Venugopal further criticized the government, saying that the soldiers died in service of the nation while defending it against enemies, and the government simply lied about their martyrdom.