Following India's victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup final, a congratulatory post by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X, formerly known as Twitter, ignited a political firestorm, drawing both praise and criticism. The post, which referenced "Operation Sindoor," a military response to a recent terror attack, triggered a wave of reactions across social media and within political circles.
PM Modi's post read, "#OperationSindoor on the games field. Outcome is the same – India wins! Congrats to our cricketers". This comparison of a cricket victory to a military operation immediately sparked debate.
What is Operation Sindoor?
"Operation Sindoor" was the codename given to India's response to the Pahalgam terror attack in May, which resulted in the deaths of 22 tourists. The name "Sindoor" itself is a reference to the vermilion powder worn by married Hindu women as a symbol of their marital status. Sources suggest the operation was named to honor the women widowed in the attack.
Reactions to the Post
The Prime Minister's post quickly went viral, garnering significant attention with reposts and impressions. However, it also drew sharp criticism, primarily from opposition parties.
- Praise: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav responded positively to PM Modi's message, stating that it felt like the Prime Minister himself was on the field. He added that the team felt relaxed and played freely with the support of the country's leader.
- Criticism: Congress leaders were quick to condemn the comparison of a cricket match to a battlefield, calling it inappropriate. Atul Londhe Patil, a Congress leader, questioned PM Modi's understanding of foreign policy and diplomacy, suggesting that sports should be played with sportsman spirit and not linked to political operations. Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sakpal accused the Prime Minister of politicizing sports to create polarization. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi warned that the Asia Cup tournament proceeds could be used to fund terror activities. She questioned why India participated in the match despite its "zero tolerance for terror" policy.
Controversies Beyond the Tweet
The controversy surrounding PM Modi's tweet was further compounded by other incidents during and after the Asia Cup final. The Indian team's refusal to accept the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who is both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Chairman and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, drew criticism. Additionally, the Indian team avoided customary handshakes with the Pakistani contingent throughout the tournament. Some reports suggest that Naqvi's social media activity, including reposts of controversial content, contributed to India's decision to snub him during the trophy presentation.
Pakistan's Response
ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi responded to PM Modi's post by cautioning India against "dragging war" into sports, stating that it exposed India's desperation and disgraced the spirit of the game. He also alluded to Pakistan's success during the conflict, adding that "no cricket match can rewrite that truth". Pakistan captain Salman Agha criticized India's actions during the tournament, stating that they "disrespected cricket".
The Asia Cup final and the subsequent reactions have highlighted the complex relationship between sports and politics, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan relations. While some viewed PM Modi's post as a patriotic gesture, others criticized it for politicizing a sporting event and disrespecting the sacrifices made during military operations. The controversies surrounding the match and its aftermath underscore the deep-seated tensions between the two nations and the challenges of separating sports from political realities.
