Bengaluru, May 7 (UNI) The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Wednesday deleted a social media post quoting Mahatma Gandhi on peace, hours after the Indian Air Force reportedly launched retaliatory strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) under Operation Sindoor, following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed 26 lives.

The now-deleted post on platform X stated, "The most powerful weapon of mankind is peace – Mahatma Gandhi." The timing of the post drew sharp criticism online, with several users accusing the Congress unit of appearing insensitive to the national mood in the wake of the deadly attack.

Facing backlash, the KPCC swiftly removed the post without issuing a clarification, and later posted a message aligning with public sentiment, praising the armed forces for their action. "The Indian Air Force (IAF), widely recognised as one of the world’s strongest air forces, gave a befitting reply to the cowardly Pahalgam Terrorist Attack. We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces. Operation Sindoor," the Congress unit wrote.

State Congress president and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also expressed support for the IAF’s action, stating, "Operation Sindoor is a befitting reply to the cowardly Pahalgam terror attack. We stand with the govt, we stand with our security forces. Jai Hind."

The BJP was quick to seize upon the episode, with state unit president Vijayendra Yediyurappa praising the military response. "In a clinical and precise operation, the Indian Army has begun avenging the targeted killings of Hindus in Pahalgam. Jai Hind!" he posted on X.

India reportedly launched targeted airstrikes on terror launchpads across the LoC as part of Operation Sindoor in wee hours of Wednesday. The operation received widespread political and public support, with leaders across party lines condemning the terror strike and lauding the armed forces' swift response. UNI BDN SSP