Operation Sindoor, a counter-terror operation launched by the Indian Army in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, continues to dominate national discourse both on the ground and within the Parliament. Since its initiation on May 6-7, the operation has stirred passionate debates, with questions of national security, political inclusivity, and communal harmony taking centre stage.
Operation Sindoor and the Monsoon Session
The Monsoon Session of Parliament, inaugurated on July 21, has been largely consumed by the discussions surrounding Operation Sindoor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally announced the operation in the Lok Sabha, portraying it as a symbol of India’s military strength and strategic resolve. While the Lok Sabha has concluded its debate on the matter, the Rajya Sabha remains a hotbed of spirited discussions.
Colonel Sofia Qureshi: The Face of the Operation
A significant aspect of the operation has been the public role of Colonel Sofia Qureshi, who briefed the media between May 7 and 10. Her appointment was widely perceived as a calculated political signal by the BJP government—countering opposition claims that the ruling party ignores minority representation. By placing a Muslim woman officer at the forefront, the government aimed to underline national unity beyond religious lines.
Opposition Faces Flak for Sidestepping Muslim MPs
While the government projected inclusivity, the opposition came under sharp criticism for not allowing any of its Muslim MPs to speak on Operation Sindoor in either house. Despite having several Muslim representatives—including Imran Masood, Tariq Anwar, Rakibul Hussain, and others—the Congress, SP, and TMC failed to field them during the debates. Analysts believe this omission undermined the opposition’s own narrative of inclusivity.
Congress’s Lok Sabha representation included Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Gaurav Gogoi, and others, while SP and TMC also put forward prominent leaders. However, the absence of Muslim voices during these key debates has been widely questioned.
Trump’s Ceasefire Claim Sparks Diplomatic Tension
In the course of the debates, a controversial claim by former US President Donald Trump also came under fire. Trump’s assertion that he had mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan was brought up by Rahul Gandhi, who demanded clarification from PM Modi on whether Trump was lying. The government, notably, remained silent on the issue.
Muslim MPs Speak from Outside the Mainstream Debate
Though officially excluded from key opposition lineups, Muslim MPs like AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi delivered hard-hitting remarks. Owaisi commended the national unity sparked by Operation Sindoor but criticised the government for not harnessing that spirit effectively. He emphasised India’s need to stand together against threats from the Pakistani military and intelligence agencies.
Similarly, National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah expressed concern over the treatment of civilians in Jammu and Kashmir post the Pahalgam attack. He noted that local residents had denounced the terror attack through spontaneous shutdowns and demonstrations, showing solidarity with the victims and rejecting terrorism outright.
Operation Sindoor: A Mirror of India’s Political Divide
As Operation Sindoor continues, it has become a symbol not only of India’s counter-terror capabilities but also of the ideological and political currents shaping national responses. From symbolic gestures like Colonel Qureshi’s elevation to the exclusion of minority voices in opposition debates, the operation has revealed deep-seated tensions within Indian politics—tensions that may influence both governance and electoral narratives in the months to come.