The Karnataka unit of the Indian National Congress drew flak on Wednesday 7 May 2025 after posting — and then deleting — a quote by Mahatma Gandhi promoting peace on social media, shortly after the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The now-deleted post on platform X featured a quote attributed to Gandhi: “The most powerful weapon of mankind is peace – Mahatma Gandhi.” The timing of the post raised eyebrows, as it came within hours of the Indian armed forces striking nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting alleged terror infrastructure.
Following backlash and criticism over perceived insensitivity or mixed messaging, the Congress’ Karnataka unit issued a new post aligning firmly with the national sentiment and military response. “The Indian Air Force, widely recognised as one of the world’s strongest air forces gave a befitting reply to the cowardly #PahalgamTerroristAttack. We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces. #OperationSindoor,” the Congress stated.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), widely recognised as one of the world's strongest air forces gave a befitting reply to the cowardly #PahalgamTerroristAttack
We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces. #OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/NnkFjr9MEq
— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) May 7, 2025
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also released a series of messages on X, strongly backing the Indian armed forces. “I salute the extraordinary courage of our armed forces behind Operation Sindhoor. Their heroic action reaffirms that India will never tolerate terror in any form. The brutal attack in Pahalgam was not just on innocent lives, it was an assault on the dreams and spirit of India. Every effort of our brave soldiers is a pledge to bring justice to the victims, their families, and to every Indian who believes in peace and humanity. Karnataka joins the nation in expressing unwavering solidarity with our forces. We are proud of your valour, sacrifice, and unflinching commitment to protect our sovereignty. Terror has no place in our land. India will respond with strength and unity.”
I salute the extraordinary courage of our armed forces behind Operation Sindhoor. Their heroic action reaffirms that India will never tolerate terror in any form.
The brutal attack in Pahalgam was not just on innocent lives, it was an assault on the dreams and spirit of India.…
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 7, 2025
Echoing these sentiments, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar posted: “#OperationSindoor is a befitting reply to the cowardly Pahalgam terror attack. We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces. Jai Hind.”
#OperationSindoor is a befitting reply to the cowardly Pahalgam terror attack.
We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces.
Jai Hind.🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/55vsj1rpbE
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) May 7, 2025
(With inputs from India Today)
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