Why Did Jaya's Outburst Leave Priyanka Chaturvedi Smiling and the Rajya Sabha in Shock?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jaya Bachchan's speech addressed significant emotional and political issues.
- The term 'Sindoor' symbolizes loss and vengeance in the context of the Pahalgam attack.
- Political leaders reacted strongly to her comments, indicating the sensitivity of the topic.
- The operation's name was personally chosen by Prime Minister Modi.
- Discussions about intelligence failures were also raised during the debate.
New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) Samajwadi Party MP and Bollywood legend Jaya Bachchan sparked a heated debate in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday by questioning the government's selection of the name 'Operation Sindoor', which was initiated in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
During her fervent address in the Upper House, Bachchan began by expressing condolences for the grieving families but quickly shifted to a more critical tone. Directing her comments towards the treasury benches, she stated:
“You come up with these grand names. But why ‘Sindoor’? Sindoor toh ujad gaya (the sindoor was wiped away). What about the wives whose husbands were gunned down in front of them?”
Her statements triggered immediate backlash from BJP leaders, who accused her of undermining the essence and symbolism associated with the name. Tensions escalated as ruling party MPs interrupted her. Unperturbed, Bachchan responded:
“Either you speak or I will. When you speak, I don’t interrupt. When a woman speaks, I never interrupt. Please mind your tongue.”
Even her fellow Opposition MP, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, who was sitting next to her, wasn't exempt from her ire. When Chaturvedi attempted to soothe her, Bachchan snapped: “Priyanka, don’t control me.” Chaturvedi smiled in reaction but chose not to pursue the conversation.
Reports suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally selected the operation’s name, drawing inspiration from the chilling events of the Pahalgam massacre, where Hindu men were executed at point-blank range in front of their wives and children.
The term Sindoor, a bright red powder worn by Hindu women to denote marital status, was used to symbolize both the immense loss of life and the determination to seek justice. Bachchan also raised concerns over the intelligence failures that allowed the attack to occur, asserting: “You have destroyed people’s faith. The families will never forgive you.”
However, for many within the government, the name was viewed not as a mere embellishment but as a means of reclaiming dignity through strength and justice.