The ongoing Operation Sindoor has not only become a centrepiece of India’s counter-terror narrative but has also triggered fierce political confrontations, especially in the Parliament. Congress MP Praniti Shinde, representing Solapur, Maharashtra, found herself at the heart of a major controversy after her remarks in the Lok Sabha on the government’s handling of the operation.
‘Tamasha’ Remark Ignites Heated Exchange in Lok Sabha
During her address in the Lok Sabha, Praniti Shinde sharply criticised Operation Sindoor, calling it a “tamasha” (spectacle), which led to immediate uproar. She claimed the military operation, launched after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, was more of a media stunt than a genuine military success. Her controversial statement was swiftly removed from the official parliamentary records due to its provocative nature.
Despite the deletion, the Congress MP stood firm, reiterating that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had used the operation to bolster its political image, rather than delivering justice or achieving concrete results on the ground.
Refusal to Apologise to ‘Trolls’ and BJP Supporters
In her clarification, Shinde said she was willing to apologise to the families of the 26 victims of the Pahalgam terror attack but refused to back down before what she described as “BJP trolls and blind supporters.” She stated, “We have nothing to do with this and we are ready to apologise a thousand times if the families of those 26 people are affected,” adding firmly, “We will never apologise to these trolls.”
Her remarks triggered criticism from the BJP, with several party members accusing her of disrespecting the sacrifices made by the armed forces and undermining national unity.
Criticism Rooted in Government Inaction
While critics viewed her remarks as inflammatory, Shinde clarified that her frustration was directed not at the military but at the government’s failure to deliver justice. She pointed out that the actual perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack remained at large and that the government had failed to provide substantial leads or arrests in the case.
Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, she said the emotional cost of terrorism must not be used for political branding, and reiterated that her objection was to the BJP’s “gimmick-like” handling of the operation rather than the operation itself.
Operation Sindoor Debate Shifts to Rajya Sabha
While the Lok Sabha has concluded debates on Operation Sindoor, discussions continue in the Rajya Sabha with equal vigour. The remarks by Shinde have added further strain to government-opposition relations and intensified the debate on how terrorism should be dealt with both militarily and politically.
Who is Praniti Shinde?
Praniti Shinde is a prominent political figure in Maharashtra and the daughter of former Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde. She served three terms as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly from Solapur City Central and, in 2024, was elected to the Lok Sabha. A seasoned politician and one of the rising faces of the Congress, Shinde is known for her outspoken stance and assertive political presence.
Her recent intervention in Parliament has not only reignited debates on Operation Sindoor but also solidified her position as a bold and vocal figure in national politics.