Is the Centre's All-Party Delegations Initiative on Op Sindoor a Great Step?

Patna, May 23 (NationPress) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha on Friday praised the Centre's initiative to send all-party delegations abroad to form a united front against terrorism, describing it as a “great step” toward national unity. However, he also pointed out that the framework and implementation of the initiative could have been more inclusive.

Speaking to IANS, Jha reflected on the current political climate in India, observing a decline in democratic discourse over the last decade.

“In the past ten to eleven years, the essence of constructive rivalry among political parties has diminished. Instead of healthy discussions, we have seen increasing antagonism. This is a commendable initiative by the Centre, but its blueprint could have been more considerate,” he stated.

Jha expressed his conviction that authentic unity could have been exemplified through more direct outreach.

“If Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally contacted leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, M.K. Stalin, Mamata Banerjee, and other opposition figures, it would have conveyed a more powerful message. This mission aims for goodwill and should embody India’s secular and cohesive spirit, especially against terrorism,” he added.

The RJD Rajya Sabha member highlighted the necessity of informing the international community that terrorism directed at India frequently stems from across the border.

“Numerous countries we’ve supported in the past have not stood by us during tough times. It is vital for them to grasp the consequences of silence or inaction,” he remarked.

Jha mentioned that he has reached out to the Prime Minister requesting a special parliamentary session to thoroughly discuss this issue.

“There was an effort to incite communal tensions during the recent Pahalgam attack, yet the spirit of this nation triumphed over that conspiracy. We now need to cultivate goodwill domestically to dismantle barriers between communities,” he told IANS.

Commenting on Prime Minister Modi’s remarks regarding Operation Sindoor, where he stated that Pakistan was made to “kneel” and remarked that his mind is calm while his blood runs hot... Sindoor flows in my veins, Jha offered a more measured viewpoint.

“I commend the courage and accuracy of our armed forces. The entire country mourns the loss at Pahalgam; people feel a personal bond with the fallen soldiers. Every day, Bihar receives the bodies of its brave sons. We all pay our tributes, but the sorrow is too profound to erase,” he expressed.

Nevertheless, Jha warned against divisive language.

“In times like these, we should unite as a nation, not divide it. The Prime Minister represents all citizens and must refrain from creating divides. National sentiment transcends political affiliations,” he asserted.

He added that it would have been preferable if Prime Minister Modi had addressed US President Donald Trump's comments during his speech in Bikaner.

“Many are dissatisfied. A message could have been communicated to Trump, questioning his position—implying we are doing all the work, yet he acts as if he is superior. His statement about silencing both sides through economic power was inappropriate. The Prime Minister should have reacted. Governments may change, but the spirit of the nation must remain united,” Jha concluded.