New Delhi, June 4: The BJP on Wednesday escalated its criticism of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his controversial “Narendra, surrender” remark, accusing him of displaying a “sick and dangerous” mentality and asserting that he lacks the maturity and seriousness expected from someone in his position.

At a press conference held at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi tore into Gandhi, saying, “On one hand, members of various opposition parties, including Congress MPs, who were part of the joint parliamentary delegation sent by India, are returning after strongly and unitedly presenting India’s position in various countries across the world.”

“On the other hand, Congress’ self-proclaimed leader and Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, is making utterly shallow and frivolous remarks, showing the world that even after attaining the position of LoP, he severely lacks the seriousness and maturity the role demands,” he said.

Trivedi took strong exception to Gandhi’s comments linking Operation Sindoor to “surrender,” saying it was an insult to the armed forces.

“How Rahul Gandhi compared our armed forces’ valour and army officers’ brief on Operation Sindoor’s success with surrender shows how sick and dangerous his mentality has become,” he remarked.

He went on to say that Gandhi’s comments surpassed even those made by India’s adversaries.

“Till now, Congress leaders were making headlines in the Pakistani media, their statements were being quoted in Pakistan’s parliament, and Rahul Gandhi’s statements also made their place in Pakistan’s dossier. But for the first time, Rahul Gandhi has said something which even the Army Chief of Pakistan has not said, nor has any terrorist organisation of Pakistan. Even Masood Azhar or Hafiz Saeed have not said such a thing. None of them said that India surrendered,” he added.

Trivedi posed a sharp question to Gandhi, asking, “Does he want to get one step ahead of these people? Till now, he was giving cover fire to the people of Pakistan, the Pakistani Army and terrorist organisations. Is he trying to become their leader now?”

Calling Gandhi’s words a grave insult to national pride and the Indian Army, Trivedi said, “He doesn’t realise how badly he is insulting this country’s self-respect and the army’s valour.”

Trivedi further questioned the LoP’s political judgment and leadership, saying, “The level of intelligence and wisdom of someone who sees receiving less mandate in their third attempt in the election as a success, and views PM Modi being elected as the Prime Minister for the third time as a defeat, is obvious.”

He also challenged the Congress party to clarify its stance: “According to the Congress, has their Leader of Opposition insulted the Indian Army by using the word ‘surrender’ or not?”

New Delhi, June 4: Congress MP Imran Masood on Wednesday came out in support of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s controversial “Narendra, surrender” jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that had the government not halted Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army would have succeeded in reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Speaking at the Congress’ state headquarters in Bhopal, Gandhi alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had surrendered to the United States during President Donald Trump’s tenure.

Gandhi linked this to a broader historical trend, accusing the BJP and RSS of bowing to pressure.

“Jaise udhar se Trump ne ishara kiya, phone uthaya, kaha Modi ji kya kar rahe ho. Narendra…Surrender aur ji huzur kar Modi ji ne Trump ke ishare ka palan kiya,” Gandhi said, implying that PM Modi obediently followed Trump’s directions.

Backing Gandhi’s remarks, Masood told Media, “What wrong has Rahul said? Has Rahul ever said anything wrong? He spoke the truth. Just remember 1971, when a country was split into two (referring to the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan). This time, if we had taken control of PoK, it would have been done — but they (the government) stopped it. Our Army has no shortage of bravery and valour.”

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari also echoed support for Rahul Gandhi, criticising the Modi government for “failing” to counter Trump’s repeated assertions that he facilitated a ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan.

“Rahul Gandhi fired an arrow of truth that struck directly at the BJP’s guilt, leaving them rattled. The BJP seems mentally unbalanced now. They’ve resorted to abusive, unparliamentary language — only someone mentally disturbed would speak this way. What Rahul Gandhi said is absolutely right,” Tiwari said.

“Trump, not just once, but several times, made such claims. PM Modi should have publicly rejected them at least once, but he chose to be mum. I want to say that if PM Modi has the courage, he should stand before Indira Gandhi’s portrait and say that Trump did not ask India to surrender. We want a strong Prime Minister,” he added.

Gandhi also took aim at his own party’s internal rifts, asserting that some Congress leaders were working in favour of the BJP and that the “lame horses” within the party would retire soon.

Commenting on this, Masood told Media, “This is a matter of party leadership. I have no say in this. Who they think is right or wrong, only Rahul Gandhi can speak about it.”

“To go to war, you need strong horses — like Chetak-type horses. But such horses are being sidelined. Are they now being searched for? What kind of preparation is this? This is an exercise in organisational restructuring, and it will continue in that direction,” he added.

Riyadh, June 4: Indian Hajj pilgrims are assisted by ‘Team India’ officials as the movement to Mina from Mecca begins, marking the start of the Five-Day Core Hajj Period in Saudi Arabia.

The team, in coordination with Saudi Authorities, is facilitating a smooth journey for all the pilgrims, underscoring India’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of all its citizens.

“Movement of Hajj pilgrims to Mina started today! ‘Team India’ officials are on duty to facilitate the movement of Indian Hajj pilgrims to smoothly avail the transport services to reach their designated camps in Mina,” the Indian Hajj Pilgrims office posted on X on Wednesday.

Indian officials were assisting vulnerable Hajj pilgrims in catching buses to Mina.

Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju extended wishes to the Indian pilgrims performing Hajj and ensuring assistance to them as the journey to Mina begins.

“My heartfelt wishes to all Indian pilgrims performing Hajj this year. Our Hajj Mission, led by officials & teams, is fully prepared in coordination with Saudi authorities. Admin and medical teams will be present in all Mina camps. For any assistance, use the Hajj Suvidha App or toll-free numbers. May your Hajj be smooth, blessed and spiritually fulfilling,” Rijiju posted on X.

Earlier on Monday, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, addressed the Indian Hajj pilgrims ahead of the core rituals.

He extended his best wishes and assured them of full support, highlighting the presence of administrative and medical deputationists to assist pilgrims throughout the journey.

Meanwhile, India’s Consul General of Jeddah Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri chaired a briefing on arrangements for medical care and assistance in the Mashaer Region (Tent city of Mina and plains of Muzdalifah & Arafat) for Indian Hajj Pilgrims.

The session was attended by the Indian Consul (Hajj), Muhammed Abdul Jaleel, and officials, doctors and nurses from ‘Team India’ deployed in Hajj 2025.

Last week, Indians who embarked on Hajj pilgrimage appreciated the arrangements and quality of facilities offered by the Indian government to ensure a smooth and seamless journey for all in Saudi Arabia.

“Indian pilgrims who went for Hajj 2025 through the Hajj Committee of India are very happy with the management of the Government of India and the facilities being provided there. It is the constant endeavour of the Ministry of Minority Affairs to ensure a comfortable and dignified journey for every Hajj pilgrim,” the Ministry of Minority Affairs posted on X.

Additionally, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian also highlighted the dedicated efforts of the Centre in ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj for pilgrims.