by Sanjay Saxena
In recent years, Indian politics has often witnessed intense clashes between the ruling party and the opposition on nearly every issue. However, during Operation Sindoor, a rare sense of unity between the two camps has brought relief and pride to the Indian public. In stark contrast, Pakistan presents the opposite picture, where the opposition continues to hurl accusations at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, attempting to portray him as an incompetent leader. Comparisons between Modi and Sharif are being drawn in the form of a lion versus a jackal.
For India, it is a matter of great satisfaction that the opposition is standing firmly behind the Modi government’s every move against terrorism, unconditionally. The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and the subsequent Indian Army-led Operation Sindoor, have triggered a remarkable shift in the political landscape. This time, opposition parties not only supported the government but also openly praised the bravery and decisiveness of the armed forces. In the past, during the Uri and Pulwama attacks, Congress and other opposition parties had raised questions, which the BJP used to label them as anti-national and gain political mileage. Against that backdrop, this current shift is highly significant. It reflects not just political maturity, but also shows that India now speaks in one voice on matters of national security.
On April 22, the brutal killing of 26 innocent tourists in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam shook the entire nation. This attack not only hurt public sentiment deeply but also posed a challenge to the opposition how to respond to such an issue. Without delay, Congress and other major parties extended their unconditional support to the central government. Even more noteworthy was their decision to refrain from politicizing possible lapses in security and intelligence. This displayed a mature and responsible approach by the opposition, in defense of national unity and sovereignty.
In response to the attack, the Indian Army launched a precise and impactful offensive under Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist bases inside Pakistan. The opposition not only supported but also praised the army’s actions. There were no questions, no demands for proof, and no political grandstanding only a united front standing with the government and the army. Opposition leaders stood with the armed forces, chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Jai Hind.” This was a scene unseen during the 2016 Uri attack or the 2019 Pulwama attack.
After the Uri attack, when the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes, parties like Congress had raised questions. The BJP turned the issue into a nationalist-versus-anti-national debate and derived political benefit. A similar situation unfolded after the Balakot airstrike post-Pulwama. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh demanded proof, which led to widespread criticism of the party. Rahul Gandhi, while acknowledging the valor of the armed forces, accused PM Modi of politicizing the sacrifices of soldiers. These statements cost Congress dearly in the elections. But this time, the story is different.
Following Operation Sindoor, Congress suspended its political programs. The party convened a meeting of its highest decision-making body, the Congress Working Committee, and Rahul Gandhi himself declared support for the army. On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s suggestion, Congress postponed its “Save the Constitution” rally to send a clear message of solidarity with the army and commitment to the nation. Even the Karnataka Congress deleted a social media post that labeled peace as the ultimate weapon, which could have been misinterpreted in the context of the army’s current operations.
With Congress taking this new approach, other opposition parties followed suit. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar spoke to the Prime Minister and Defense Minister, announcing his party’s full support. A. K. Antony, former defense minister under the UPA government and a frequent critic of the Modi government, also supported Operation Sindoor, calling it a “strong beginning” and backing the army’s decisive action. Arvind Kejriwal, leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, who had previously criticized Rahul Gandhi’s stance after the surgical strikes, this time praised the army’s bravery and emphasized national unity.
RJD leaders Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav also praised Operation Sindoor and saluted the soldiers. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, usually critical of the Modi government, echoed the government’s tone and praised the strike against Pakistan. Even the Left parties, who typically advocate restraint on military action, expressed support for the government and the army following the Pahalgam attack. The Communist Party of India (CPI) acknowledged that India had no option but to respond this time.
This entire episode signals a new direction for Indian politics. It demonstrates that political parties are not only united on issues of national security and sovereignty but are also re-evaluating their past political stances. Congress’s new approach could help it fit better within the nationalist narrative, while also sending a message to other opposition parties that the public no longer desires mere blame games, but rather wants to see politics marked by unity and responsibility. With Operation Sindoor, India has once again sent a strong message that its stance on terrorism is neither soft nor divided. This is not only a result of the central government’s firm resolve but also a reflection of the opposition’s mature participation. If this approach is maintained in the future, it will not only strengthen India’s internal political maturity but also enhance the country’s image on the global stage.
Turning to Pakistan, the situation is quite the opposite there, the army, the government, and the opposition are at loggerheads. India’s Operation Sindoor has shaken Pakistan’s military and strategic stability, and its politics is in complete disarray. At a time when the country should be united in the face of crisis, Pakistani leaders are busy accusing one another. The growing rift between the Prime Minister and the opposition has thrown the nation into confusion. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party has accused the current government of colluding with the army and making poor decisions, while the government claims that leaders like Imran Khan continue to make anti-national statements even during times of war. During heated parliamentary debates, opposition leaders questioned the army’s failures, further weakening the country’s international image. Meanwhile, a lack of coordination between the Pakistani army and government is evident. According to media leaks, there have been differing opinions between the military and civilian leadership on several defense decisions, resulting in strategic confusion on the frontlines. This has created a climate of insecurity and despair among the general public. Experts believe that, at this moment, Pakistan’s greatest threat is not from India, but from its fractured political leadership and weak strategic thinking.
