Recent events have brought two significant issues to the forefront: "Operation Sindoor" and the "Mahadev" betting app controversy. These events have sparked political debate and highlight the government's approach to national security and combating illegal activities.

Operation Sindoor: A Response to Terrorism

"Operation Sindoor" was launched by the Indian government in response to a devastating attack on tourists in Pahalgam, India, on April 22, where 26 innocent lives were lost. The Pakistan-based terrorist group "The Resistance Front" (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.

India's response was swift and targeted. On the night of May 7-8, Indian forces executed "Operation Sindoor," conducting precision strikes on terrorist training camps at nine different locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes specifically targeted terrorist infrastructure, avoiding military targets to maintain a non-escalatory posture. According to Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the timing of the strikes, between 1:00 AM and 1:30 AM, was chosen to evade satellite surveillance and minimize civilian casualties, particularly during morning prayers.

Air Force Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that the operation was halted after four days because India had achieved its objectives of decimating terrorist establishments in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Videos released by the Indian Air Force showcased the destruction inflicted on these complexes. The strikes resulted in the deaths of several high-profile terrorists, including Yusuf Azhar, Abu Jundal, and the son of the planner of the 2016 Nagrota attack.

Following "Operation Sindoor," reports indicate that terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) have begun relocating to Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, near the Afghan frontier. JeM is reportedly planning a large gathering in Peshawar on September 25, under the new name Al-Murabitun. HM has also established a training camp in Bandai, Lower Dir district, named HM 313.

The Mahadev Betting App Controversy

The "Mahadev" betting app has become a focal point of political contention, particularly in the context of the Chhattisgarh state elections. The app allegedly lures people into betting on live sports and events, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigating a money laundering scheme involving UPI IDs. The ED's investigation revealed that the app had over 2,000 panel operators in India, accepting minor wagers and laundering money through a network of benami bank accounts. Assets worth ₹417 crore have been frozen and seized in connection with the case.

Political accusations have been traded between the BJP and Congress. The BJP has accused Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and other Congress politicians of involvement in illegal activities related to the app. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticized Baghel for allegedly naming the betting app after Lord Mahadev, drawing a contrast with Prime Minister Modi's naming of the Chandrayaan-3 landing site as Shiv Shakti. Shah has also claimed that the Baghel-led government transformed the Durg division from an education center to a center of betting. Congress, in turn, has accused the BJP of using the issue to target Baghel.

The central government has taken action by banning 22 software and websites, including the "Mahadev" app, under the Information Technology Act of 2000, based on the ED's investigation.