India Sentinels image for representation.
New Delhi: In a remarkable display of national unity, India’s political leadership across party lines has rallied behind the armed forces following Operation Sindoor – a series of precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK). The operation was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 28 civilian lives.
The strikes targeted nine terror sites, including strongholds of Jaish-e-Muhammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which demonstrated the nation’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism. Leaders from government and opposition have issued statements reflecting solidarity and national pride.
Government Leaders’ Remarks
The prime minister, Narendra Modi, described Operation Sindoor as a “moment of pride” for the nation. While chairing a Cabinet meeting hours after the strikes, he commended the armed forces for their precision and bravery. Modi reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and emphasized that the entire country was looking for a strong response after the Pahalgam attack.
The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, stated at the inauguration of Border Roads Organisation’s projects, “India has exercised its right to respond to the attack on its soil. Our action has been taken very thoughtfully and in a measured manner.” He further clarified, “We only killed those who killed our innocents,” adding, “With Operation Sindoor, our forces have given a befitting reply by destroying terrorist training camps … I salute the bravery of our armed forces.”
The Union home minister, Amit Shah, chaired a high-level security review meeting with chief ministers and lieutenant governors of border states and Union territories. He credited Modi’s “firm resolve” in authorizing Operation Sindoor, calling it a “befitting reply” to those challenging India’s sovereignty. Shah detailed that the operation destroyed terrorist training camps, weapon bases, and hideouts of groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Muhammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, expressed “heartfelt appreciation” for the prime minister and the chiefs of the armed forces. He described Operation Sindoor as embodying the “true sentiment” of the government and security forces towards the families affected by the Pahalgam attack.
The Assam chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, underscored the unity of the Indian people behind the government and armed forces. “The entire nation stands firmly behind our government and our armed forces in supporting the decisive action against terrorists through Operation Sindoor,” he stated. Sarma affirmed Assam’s readiness for any provocation and praised the armed forces for avenging the Pahalgam attack.
Rajyavardhan Rathore, Union minister, characterized Operation Sindoor as evidence of the “new India” – an India with the “courage and ability to take out the eye of anyone who looks at it with a crooked eye.” He emphasized that the armed forces had been given a “free hand” to select targets and timing, reinforcing the government’s resolve.
Opposition Leaders’ Responses
The leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, offered unequivocal support to the armed forces. On X, he wrote: “Proud of our Armed Forces. Jai Hind!” and later added, “Best wishes and much love. We completely support the armed forces.” Gandhi confirmed that the Congress would participate in the all-party meeting convened to discuss the situation, further signalling bipartisan unity.
Congress spokesman Pawan Khera echoed Gandhi’s sentiments. He said, “We are proud of our Army.” He emphasized that Congress fully supported the retaliatory action against terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK, describing the strikes as both necessary and justified in the wake of the Pahalgam massacre.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president, Asaduddin Owaisi, hailed Operation Sindoor and stressed that the Pakistani deep state must be taught a “tough lesson” to prevent any future attacks like Pahalgam. Taking to X, the Hyderabad MP posted: “I welcome the surgical strikes carried out by our defence forces on terror camps in Pakistan. The Pakistani deep state must be taught a tough lesson so that another Pahalgam never happens again,” adding, “Pakistan's terror infrastructure must be completely destroyed. Jai Hind!”
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, Sharad Pawar, publicly extended support to the government, stating that he had spoken with the Prime Minister’s Office and the defence minister to congratulate the armed forces. Pawar commended the action taken and reiterated his party’s support to the government during this challenging time, noting the importance of national unity in the face of external threats.
Leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Shiv Sena (UBT), and other regional outfits also praised Operation Sindoor. They described the strikes as “powerful and necessary”, reflecting a rare consensus across the political spectrum. Many highlighted the operation’s precision and the message it sent to terror groups and their sponsors.
National Response
The aftermath of Operation Sindoor saw not just political leaders but also prominent public figures expressing solidarity. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X, “Fearless in unity. Boundless in strength. India’s shield is her people. There’s no room for terrorism in this world. We’re ONE TEAM!”
Meanwhile, the government initiated a nationwide security and civil defence drill – the first of its kind since the 1971 war – demonstrating the seriousness with which authorities viewed the evolving security landscape.
Operation Sindoor has prompted a unified response from India’s political leadership, transcending party lines and regional divides. The government’s swift action and the armed forces’ precision have been lauded as necessary steps to uphold national security and deliver justice for the victims of terrorism.
Both government and opposition leaders have articulated a clear message: India stands united in the face of terror, and the resolve to protect its citizens and sovereignty remains unwavering. This rare display of political consensus has not only strengthened national morale but also sent a strong signal to adversaries and the international community about India’s determination to combat terrorism in all its forms.
