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As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following the launch of Operation Sindoor, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come under sharp criticism for attempting to politicise the national security crisis through a social media campaign that many have deemed inappropriate and divisive.
On May 9, while border areas remained on edge amid a military standoff between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, the BJP released a video extolling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aggressive posture in dealing with cross-border terrorism. The video juxtaposed Modi’s military responses with what it portrayed as the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance’s (UPA) “meek” approach, listing terror attacks such as the 2005 Delhi blasts, the 2006 Mumbai train bombings, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the 2010 Pune bombing as examples of Congress’s alleged failure to act decisively.
The BJP’s post contrasted these events with Modi’s policy of not engaging in peace talks, instead carrying out precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. However, the timing and tone of the campaign were widely condemned, even by those sympathetic to the party.
Political analyst Sumanth Raman echoed the sentiment, stating, “At a time when the entire country is united they put this out. Shameful. This is NOT the time for trying to score political points.”
Psephologist Yashwant Deshmukh took to X (formerly Twitter), calling the campaign “absolutely disgraceful” and warned that it undermines national unity. “Pakistani media is saying you are doing all this for your own political gains, and this kind of stupid campaign gives them legitimacy. This is not the time for political differences but a time to take everyone along,” he wrote.
Journalist Rohini Singh also criticised the move, calling it “pathetic” and adding, “What makes it even more pathetic [is] that it’s being done at this time when the nation is united.”
Actor and activist Gul Panag weighed in, urging restraint and unity: “The nation today stands UNITED, across the political spectrum. After a very long time. Please don’t play petty politics at this time,” she posted.
Several commentators pointed out the factual distortions in the BJP’s video, noting that it was under the UPA government that Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist from the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was captured, tried, and executed. They questioned whether the current administration has shown similar resolve in apprehending those responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
Critics argue that the BJP’s attempt to score political points amid an active conflict not only erodes the spirit of national unity but also risks giving propaganda fodder to hostile forces. At a time when Indian Armed Forces are engaged in real-time operations, many expressed that such rhetoric as irresponsible and damaging.
In stark contrast, the Congress party has refrained from politicising the situation. On May 7, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge publicly supported the Armed Forces and lauded their action. “We are extremely proud of our Indian Armed Forces who have struck terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. We applaud their resolute resolve and courage,” he said in a statement. Emphasising unity, he added, “National Unity and solidarity is the need of the hour and the Indian National Congress stands with our Armed Forces.”