Barmer, May 27 -- Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, along with Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Sachin Pilot, on Monday targeted the central government on the "abrupt" ceasefire with Pakistan, and alleged disrespect towards the national flag. While addressing a "Jai Hind" rally in Barmer district to honour the armed forces, Gehlot raised concerns over the sudden ceasefire with Pakistan. "Why was a ceasefire declared so abruptly? If talks were ongoing, the country should have been informed," he questioned. He raised doubts about the US President's involvement, saying, "Who is America to mediate?" and warned of a "dangerous game" being played with the ceasefire." "If the BJP had their way, they would abolish the Tricolour and replace it with the RSS flag." he further said. He also questioned the RSS's patriotism, highlighting that their Nagpur headquarters reportedly did not hoist the national flag for 80 years. The former CM also criticised BJP leaders for allegedly wiping their faces with the national flag during rallies and trampling on it, claiming they have no understanding of the Tricolour's honour. During the recently held Tiranga Yatra led by chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, a controversy erupted after BJP legislator from Jaipur's Hawa Mahal, Swami Balmukundacharya, also known as Sanjay Sharma, was allegedly seen wiping his nose with national flag. However, when he realised that the piece of cloth in his hand was the national flag, he could be seen quickly handing it over to another person and using a different cloth to wipe his face. During the Congress rally, MP Randeep Surjewala echoed Gehlot's sentiments, questioning the necessity of a ceasefire when the Indian Army was seemingly gaining the upper hand. "When the army was winning, its hand was up and Pakistan's knees were broken, what was the need for a ceasefire without consulting the army?" he asked. He highlighted that it was unprecedented for the US to announce a ceasefire in a conflict involving India. Surjewala further questioned why the US President claimed eight times that he orchestrated the ceasefire and linked it to trade. "PM Modi should clarify whether trade is more important or the country," he said, adding, "The PM's silence indicates something is amiss." He also demanded answers on the whereabouts of terrorists who attacked in Kashmir, accusing Pakistan of harbouring them. Surjewala pressed the government to disclose the terms of the ceasefire, emphasizing that Pakistan violated it even after the agreement. State Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra accused PM Modi of hiding behind the army's valour for political gains and questioned the "coincidence" of the PM visiting Rajasthan after significant military operations. He demanded answers on why the ceasefire was initiated. The PCC chief further asserted that "Modi ji has a habit of hiding behind the army's bravery to conduct general elections in the country." He claimed that the Prime Minister tells the public, "we did it," whereas it was actually the army that accomplished these feats, be it Balakot or Operation Sindoor. Former deputy CM Sachin Pilot emphasised the collective faith of the nation in the armed forces. He questioned the government's lack of transparency regarding the ceasefire, asking, "How and on what terms was the ceasefire agreed upon?" He also criticised the lack of international condemnation for Pakistan and called for a special parliamentary session to reiterate India's resolve, especially concerning Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pilot also condemned derogatory remarks made by a Madhya Pradesh minister against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, demanding the minister's resignation and an apology from the BJP leadership. Rajasthan in-charge Sukhwinder Singh Randhawa criticised the PM for allegedly halting border development work and questioned the government's commitment to strengthening the armed forces. He also asserted that Congress leaders, unlike the BJP, truly understand the meaning of sacrifice for the nation. Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully claimed the government was unwilling to act against terrorism and had tied the hands of the army. He also criticised the Agnipath scheme and unequal packages for soldiers from different states. Jully further highlighted former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's defiance, noting she ignored American threats and refused to speak with the US President for three days until the "geography of the world was changed" with the creation of Bangladesh. Barmer MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal lauded the Indian Army's bravery, calling the Pahalgam incident "cowardly" and emphasizing the success of "Operation Sindoor." that the people of Thar would not be misled. He accused the PM Modi of taking all the credit for Operation Sindoor and giving speeches about "saffron flowing in their veins," while the army should be given due credit. He affirmed that the army's honor would not be diminished. Congress leaders also honored 'Veeranganas' (war heroes' wives/mothers) and disabled veterans, presenting them with commendation certificates and shawls. In response to Congress's rally, BJP leader Satish Poonia said: "Those who once sought proof from the Indian Army are now holding public rallies. Even in times of challenges, when the nation stands united, they continue their politics. The double standards of congress are well-known, and that's why they have been rejected by their policies and conduct. Congress leaders have nothing left except for senseless speeches and sycophancy of the Nehru-Gandhi family."...