Congress holds nationwide 'Jai Hind Yatra' to support armed forces

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the launch of by the Indian armed forces, the country's principal Opposition party, the Congress, on Friday organised nationwide rallies under the banner of the ‘Jai Hind Yatra’ to promote unity and express solidarity with India's defence forces.

Congress leaders and workers took to the streets in several cities across the country, marching in support of the Indian armed forces and lauding their strike on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

In solidarity with our brave soldiers, the @INCArunachal today organized the 'Jai Hind Yatra' at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan in Itanagar.

The Congress party stands united during this time of crisis and supports the Indian Armed Forces, who are bravely defending our borders.

Jai… pic.twitter.com/DeaOP0dXEA

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 9, 2025

The rallies come in the wake of India launching cross-border strikes on nine targets in Pakistan, which the government described as a "non-escalatory" and "precision-based" response aimed solely at dismantling terrorist hideouts.

The strikes were part of Operation Sindoor, initiated in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that left 25 Indians and one Nepalese citizen, most of them tourists, dead.

Despite India’s efforts to keep the response limited and targeted, Pakistan retaliated with a barrage of drone and missile attacks on the night of 7 May, all of which were successfully intercepted and neutralised by the Indian Army.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak praised the armed forces for their courage and professionalism.

“The Indian Navy, Army, and Air Force are setting new benchmarks of bravery through their relentless efforts. Operation Sindoor is a testament to their valour. The Indian Army deserves the highest praise for its resolute response to the Pahalgam attack, thwarting Pakistan’s nefarious designs. I salute the spirit, zeal, and patriotism of our forces,” Nayak said.

अपना सर्वस्व समर्पित कर भारत की जल, थल और वायु सेना लगातार शौर्य और पराक्रम में नए मानक स्थापित करती जा रही है।

'ऑपरेशन सिंदूर' इस बात का प्रत्यक्ष प्रमाण है।

पहलगाम हमले के बाद पाकिस्तान को ईंट का जवाब पत्थर से देने के लिए, पाकिस्तान की नाक में नकेल डालने के लिए और उसके… pic.twitter.com/ZH8ANijwcJ

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 9, 2025

She also hailed Operation Sindoor and condemned representatives of the Pakistani military establishment for attending the funerals of slain aides and relatives of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, who were reportedly killed in the Indian strikes.

“The time has come to root out all the evil intentions that are being raised against India," she added.

पाकिस्तान के पड़ोसी मुल्क होने के नाते भारत ने कूटनीतिक संबंध रखे।

पाकिस्तान पर इतना विश्वास किया कि ISI को भी भारत में बुला लिया, लेकिन पाकिस्तान ने हर बार हमारे साथ विश्वासघात किया।

अमेरिका ने F16 जेट पाकिस्तान को आतंकवादी गतिविधि के विरोध में प्रयोग करने के लिए दिया था,… pic.twitter.com/wvmFzghsE4

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 9, 2025

In Karnataka, chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar led a massive 'Jai Hind Tiranga Yatra' in Bengaluru. The march began at K.R. Circle and concluded at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with thousands of Congress supporters waving the tricolour and chanting patriotic slogans like ‘Jai Hind’, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, and ‘Our soldiers are our pride’.

ಪಹಲ್ಗಮ್ ನರಮೇಧಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರತೀಕಾರವಾಗಿ ಆಪರೇಷನ್ ಸಿಂಧೂರ ಕಾರ್ಯಾಚರಣೆ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಸೇನೆಗೆ ಬೆಂಬಲ ವ್ಯಕ್ತಪಡಿಸಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಕೆ ಆರ್ ಸರ್ಕಲ್‌ನಿಂದ ಮಿನ್ಸ್ಕ್ ಚೌಕದವರೆಗೆ ಸಿಎಂ @siddaramaiah ಹಾಗೂ ಡಿಸಿಎಂ @DKShivakumar ಅವರ ನೇತೃತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ತಿರಂಗಾ ಯಾತ್ರೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು.
ಸಚಿವರಾದ @HKPatilINC, @DrParameshwara,… pic.twitter.com/Ca2kc6fB42

— Karnataka Congress (@INCKarnataka) May 9, 2025

In West Bengal, the Congress held a parallel rally in Kolkata. Posting on X, the party wrote: "Today, we held the 'Jai Hind Yatra' in West Bengal to stand in unwavering support of our armed forces as tensions with Pakistan escalate. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our brave heroes. Let’s unite in pride for our jawans."

The @INCWestBengal today held the 'Jai Hind Yatra' in West Bengal in support of our armed forces as tensions with Pakistan escalate.

We stand shoulder to shoulder with our brave heroes. Let’s unite in pride for our jawans.

Jai Hind 🇮🇳

📍West Bengal pic.twitter.com/GazZYhVOv3

— Congress (@INCIndia) May 9, 2025

The Congress also released a statement lauding the armed forces for their “unwavering dedication to safeguarding Indian citizens during the nation's darkest hours”.

“Their commitment to national security is a shining example of courage and resilience. We extend our complete support to our heroes, whose unflinching bravery reflects the nation’s collective resolve against terrorism,” the party said.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge have extended their full support to the government in its fight against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, emphasising national unity above politics. Both leaders participated in all-party meetings, and assured the government of Congress' backing on matters of national security.