Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, during a high-stakes debate on Operation Sindoor, India's military retaliation to the Pahalgam attack by Pakistani terrorists. The Prime Minister's address followed a fiery debate that began the previous day, with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirming the terrorists killed in Operation Mahadev were linked to the April 22 Pahalgam attack.
Key Highlights from PM Modi's Address:
- Operation Sindoor and National Spirit: PM Modi asserted that Operation Sindoor has ignited a "Sindoor spirit" throughout the nation. He stated that the country, through its unity, thwarted a "well-planned conspiracy" to create communal disturbances.
- Tribute to Armed Forces: PM Modi lauded the armed forces for their swift response, stating they took only 22 minutes to avenge the Pahalgam attack. He expressed his gratitude to the citizens for their trust during Operation Sindoor.
- Accusations Against Congress: PM Modi criticized the Congress party, accusing them of prioritizing Pakistan's narrative over their own government. He also accused previous Congress governments of appeasement politics and Nehruvian blunders. BJP MP Sambit Patra also accused Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge of using the phrase "sindoor ka sauda" while referring to the incident.
- Global Support: The Prime Minister claimed that no world leader asked India to stop the conflict. He referred to a conversation with US Vice-President JD Vance, where Vance warned of a potential Pakistani attack. Modi stated he responded that Pakistan would pay a heavy price if it chose that path.
- New Counter-Terrorism Strategy: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserted a transformative shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy, declaring that there is now a "new normal" in combating the threat.
Operation Sindoor Context:
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh clarified that Operation Sindoor was "paused" and would resume if Pakistan engaged in further hostile actions.
Opposition's Perspective:
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the government of hindering the Indian Air Force and alleged that Operation Sindoor was conducted to protect the Prime Minister's image. Congress MP Praniti Shinde faced criticism for using the word "tamasha" during the discussion on Operation Sindoor.
Parliamentary Debate:
The Lok Sabha extended its session to continue the debate on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam attacks. Union Home Minister Amit Shah briefed the House on the events leading to the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, and Operation Mahadev. The Rajya Sabha also held a debate on Operation Sindoor.
