(Utkarsh Patel)

India’s successful retaliation against terrorism through Operation Sindoor—which avenged the Pahalgam attack and destroyed terrorist bases in Pakistan—sparked feelings of immense pride among citizens across the nation. The Indian Army’s bravery strengthened both national security and public morale. Yet, this proud moment also raises important questions about the role and approach of various political parties.

The ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) celebrated the success of Operation Sindoor by organizing ‘Tiranga Yatras’ (tricolor rallies) across the country, aiming to amplify patriotism and pay tribute to the armed forces. Through these initiatives, the BJP attempted to foster unity and spread a message of national pride.

However, opposition parties, especially the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), did not organize any similar public events. This silence raises the question: Did they hold back from endorsing national pride publicly?

Possible Reasons for Opposition’s Silence:

1. Political Strategy:
   Opposition parties may have chosen not to participate in such celebrations to prevent the ruling party from turning this national success into a political advantage. By staying away, they tried to avoid appearing as if they were endorsing BJP's narrative.

2. Avoiding Politicization:
   Some parties possibly believed that military operations are national matters, not political ones. To them, celebrating military success through political events might risk reducing a national achievement to a partisan agenda.

3.Focus on Other Priorities:
   It’s also possible that opposition parties were preoccupied with local issues or other political goals and therefore did not prioritize national-level celebrations.

The Bigger Question:Is it right to view national pride through a political lens?

The victory of the Indian armed forces belongs to every citizen, not to any single party. All political groups should have actively participated in celebrating such a unifying moment. Had opposition parties taken part, it would have further strengthened the message of unity and patriotism.

Even with ideological differences, displaying unity on issues of national security and pride is a hallmark of a healthy democracy. The public, too, should support leaders and parties that prioritize the nation’s interests over political gain.

Operation Sindoor is not just a military triumph—it symbolizes India's unity, resilience, and resolve. At such times, all political parties must come together to reinforce the spirit of nationalism, ensuring that the honor and pride of India always remain bright.

(The author is a respected industrialist and social worker. The views expressed are personal.)