The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a nationwide "Tiranga Yatra" to celebrate the success of "Operation Sindoor" and honor the armed forces, but a controversy has erupted over remarks made by a Madhya Pradesh minister concerning the military operation.
The "Tiranga Yatra," an 11-day event that began on May 13, 2025, aims to connect with citizens across communities, emphasizing patriotism, national solidarity, and respect for the Tricolour. BJP leaders and workers are organizing bike rallies, public gatherings, flag hoisting ceremonies, and outreach activities across the country. The initiative intends to showcase the bravery of the armed forces and highlight the Modi government's commitment to national security following Operation Sindoor. The Yatra will end on May 23.
However, the celebratory atmosphere has been marred by a controversy involving Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijay Shah. Shah made objectionable comments that appeared to target Colonel Sofia Qureshi, one of the public faces of the Indian Armed Forces during Operation Sindoor. Shah's remarks, made at a public gathering in Ramkunda village near Indore, drew sharp criticism for their divisive language. He seemed to project Col Qureshi as a "sister of terrorists." Shah linked the Colonel to terrorists and referenced 'Operation Sindoor,' which triggered sharp criticism.
Specifically, Shah's comments referenced the Pahalgam terror attack and implied that Colonel Qureshi, was sent by PM Modi as a "sister from the same community" as the terrorists to avenge the attack. He stated, "Those people (terrorists) who had wiped out the sindoor (vermilion) of our sisters (in the Pahalgam terror attack)..We avenged these 'kate-pite' people by sending their sister to destroy them," Shah said.
Opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, have strongly condemned Shah's statements, calling them insulting and demanding the minister's dismissal. Kharge posted on X, stating, "The brave daughters of our army are sisters of terrorists — this disgusting utterance has been made by MP minister Vijay Shah. This is an insult to our mighty army". The Congress party also accused Shah of calling Indian Army officers "sisters of terrorists".
Facing mounting pressure and public outrage, Shah issued a clarification, claiming his words were misunderstood and that he comes from a military family. He also stated, "I salute sister Sofia who rose above caste and communal lines to make India proud. She is more respectable than my own sister.”
The controversy has raised questions about the BJP's approach to national security and the use of military operations for political gain. Opposition parties have accused the BJP of attempting to take political advantage of Operation Sindoor, especially with upcoming state assembly elections. Tejashwi Yadav took a dig at the BJP over the yatra and said that armed forces must not be involved in politics.
Despite the controversy, the BJP is proceeding with the "Tiranga Yatra," aiming to connect with citizens and strengthen its nationalist narrative. The party emphasizes that the yatra is a non-partisan effort to honor the armed forces and promote national unity. BJP leaders have stated that the party aims to connect with citizens across communities emphasizing the message of patriotism, national solidarity and respect for the tricolour.
The "Tiranga Yatra" and the controversy surrounding it highlight the complex intersection of national security, political messaging, and social sensitivities in India. While the BJP seeks to showcase its strong leadership and celebrate the armed forces, it also faces scrutiny over its rhetoric and the potential for divisive messaging.
