Is BJP's Agnimitra Paul Right to Call Congress's Udit Raj 'Foolish' Over Operation Sindoor Remarks?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Operation Sindoor serves as a tribute to the victims of terrorism.
- Criticism from Udit Raj highlights concerns over religious symbolism in military actions.
- Agnimitra Paul emphasizes India's strength under Modi's leadership.
- The exchange reflects broader political tensions in India.
- The significance of Sindoor resonates deeply within Hindu culture.
Kolkata, May 8 (NationPress) West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul vehemently criticized Congress leader Udit Raj on Thursday for his comments questioning the title of India's latest military operation, 'Operation Sindoor'. Paul referred to Raj as a 'fool and ignorant' and emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become a strong nation, resilient against terrorism.
Raj had previously challenged the operation's name, arguing that 'Sindoor' is linked to a specific religion and suggested that a more neutral term would have been appropriate.
In his remarks to IANS, Raj stated, 'During discussions with intellectuals, it was highlighted that Sindoor is tied to a specific religion, and it would have been better if a different name had been selected. However, this is not of great significance. What truly matters is that Pakistan has received a lesson.'
In response, Paul declared to IANS, 'Look at who is speaking—he is a fool and an ignorant person. The tragic loss of our 26 compatriots in Pahalgam is avenged through Operation Sindoor. Those who criticize now are the same individuals who preferred India to remain weak, just as it was during the Congress era, when no substantial action was taken after incidents like 26/11.'
Paul also asserted that the operation's name serves as a significant tribute to the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
'This is not a feeble India; this is PM Modi's robust India. The way 'sindoor' was removed from the foreheads of countless women, this operation was a powerful response to that.'
Sindoor, or vermilion, holds sacred meaning in Hindu culture as a symbol of marriage. Its inclusion in the operation's name has been interpreted as a homage to the wives who lost their husbands in the terror attack.
The massacre on April 22 in Pahalgam resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians—25 of whom were Hindu men, many newly married and on vacation with their wives when they were brutally attacked by terrorists in front of their families.
Sources reveal that the symbolic relevance of 'sindoor'—often worn by married Hindu women—was pivotal in naming the operation, intended to honor the victims' families and emphasize the targeted nature of the terror attack.