Congress to Hold 'Jai Hind Sabhas' in 15 States to Question Government's Silence on Security Issues

Nationwide Campaign from May 20 to 30 to Highlight National Security Concerns and US Involvement​

New Delhi, May 15 — The Congress party has announced a series of public meetings titled 'Jai Hind Sabhas', scheduled to take place across 15 states between May 20 and 30, aimed at honouring the armed forces while simultaneously questioning the government's handling of national security and its silence over US involvement in halting hostilities between India and Pakistan.

K C Venugopal, Congress general secretary in charge of organisation, made the announcement in a post on X, stating that the sabhas will involve army veterans, party leaders, and the general public.

“Indian National Congress will hold 'Jai Hind Sabhas' across India to salute the supreme valour and success of our Armed Forces. We also must raise serious questions on security lapses, the Government's handling of national security, and its silence on the concerning involvement of the US in our national security matters,” Venugopal said.

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The public meetings are planned in Delhi, Barmer, Shimla, Haldwani, Patna, Jabalpur, Pune, Goa, Bengaluru, Kochi, Guwahati, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, and Pathankot.

Backdrop of 'Operation Sindoor' and Pahalgam Attack​

This announcement comes a day after the Congress declared its intention to hold rallies across the country, accusing the BJP of "politicising" Operation Sindoor, which the party says should be attributed to the armed forces and the nation, not to any political party.

At a joint press conference, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera criticised the BJP's approach, stating that military operations should not be converted into political branding tools.

A resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) during a high-level meeting further escalated the attack on the government. The resolution raised alarms over the Pahalgam terrorist attack, calling it an “apparent intelligence failure”, and questioned how such a major breach occurred despite heightened tensions and known threats in the region.

“Despite heightened tensions and known threats in the region, the terrorists managed to execute a major attack, claiming precious lives. While we wait for an official assessment, it is unfortunate that no accountability has yet been fixed,” the resolution stated.

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Questions Over Ceasefire and US Involvement​

The Congress resolution also expressed concern over the abrupt end to India’s retaliatory action against Pakistan, which, according to the party, has led to widespread speculation and unease.

Particularly troubling, the party noted, was former US President Donald Trump's claim of mediating a ceasefire through trade threats and pressure on India.

“The sudden halt, without clarity or communication, has led to speculation and concern across the country,” the resolution said, adding that the government’s continued silence is “inexplicable and unacceptable.”

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The Congress asserted that national security must not be reduced to media optics, and called for professional vigilance and institutional accountability in dealing with such serious matters.

The upcoming Jai Hind Sabhas are expected to be a crucial part of Congress’ campaign to stir national dialogue on security governance, foreign influence, and military accountability.