On August 5, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was formally felicitated by Members of Parliament from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at a parliamentary meeting in New Delhi. This public show of appreciation came in response to the successful execution of Operation Sindoor, India’s military retaliation after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir.
“Operation Sindoor Echoes in Parliament: Opposition Walks Out as Modi & Shah Defend Military Action”
Operation Sindoor was India’s retaliatory military strike in response to the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed.
The Indian Armed Forces conducted precision strikes and missile interceptions on May 9, which PM Modi described as a “100% successful mission.”
The operation showcased India’s indigenous defense power, with nearly 1,000 Pakistani drones and missiles intercepted, according to Modi.
What Happened at the NDA Parliamentary Party Meeting on August 5, 2025
- Felicitation Ceremony: PM Modi was welcomed by NDA MPs with thunderous applause, chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Jai Shri Ram”, and adorned with a garland, in recognition of the government’s strong response to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack known as Operation Sindoor. The celebration also included Operation Mahadev, another related counter-terror mission .
- Political Context: The meeting occurs amid the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, which has largely been stalled by opposition protests over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Despite this, NDA MPs passed a resolution praising the successes of both operations .
What Is Operation Sindoor?
- Purpose and Timing: Operation Sindoor is India’s military retaliation to the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 civilian casualties. Prime Minister Modi announced that nearly 1,000 Pakistani missiles and drones were intercepted on May 9, highlighting the operation’s scale and sophistication .
- Conclusive Success: Modi emphasized India achieved 100% of its objectives, asserting global recognition of India’s defense capabilities and its self-reliance in arms production under Atmanirbhar Bharat .
- Cultural Symbolism: Modi dedicated the operation’s success to Lord Mahadev (Lord Shiva), invoking the symbolism of sindoor as a mark of honor and dignity for women. He depicted the operation as fulfillment of a vow to avenge the terror victims .
Political Reactions & Fallout
- *Support from Allies: NDA state leaders—including Chief Ministers like Yogi Adityanath—hailed the operation as a powerful testament to India’s Made-in-India defense strength. A resolution praising the armed forces and Modi’s leadership was passed during an NDA meeting of chief ministers in May 2025
- *Offensive Criticism from Opposition: Congress leaders strongly criticized the government’s response. Priyanka Gandhi accused the BJP of deflecting accountability by evoking historical figures while sidestepping visible security failures. PM Modi, in turn, fiercely accused the opposition of echoing Pakistani narratives and undermining national security
- *Public Support Gestures: In Varanasi, Muslim women organized a Raksha Bandhan event, sending rakhis emblazoned with Modi’s image and the Operation Sindoor logo—a symbolic show of cultural unity and appreciation. Hindu women also participated in support, linking the operation to protection of women’s honor and national identity
- *Delhi’s Political Response: CM Rekha Gupta asserted that the opposition has aligned with anti-national forces, and praised PM Modi for the operation as a decisive answer to terrorism, reinforcing the ideological divide in political discourse .
Interpretation & Significance
- *Symbolic Messaging: The operation’s name—Sindoor—evokes culturally charged symbolism of women’s honor. Its invocation of Mahadev imagery reinforces both cultural and religious motifs as tools of national unity and assertiveness.
- *Strategic Messaging: It served as a clear strategic announcement, signaling that India was prepared to respond severely and autonomously to terrorism, countering external insinuations of pressure or mediation
- Political Implications: Within the NDA, the meeting both reinforced internal solidarity and served as a platform to unify allies. In contrast, the opposition used the occasion to question the government’s accountability and request clarity on its handling of the Pahalgam attack.
| Aspect | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Operation Sindoor | Military retaliation to Pahalgam terror attack; airstrike-based, objectives achieved |
| NDA Meeting Outcome | Modi felicitated with chants and garland; NDA MPs passed resolution acknowledging success |
| Symbolism | Dedicated to Lord Mahadev; sindoor as a mark of dignity and revenge |
| Reactions | BJP allies praised self-reliance; opposition blamed deflection |
| Broader Context | Ongoing Parliament deadlock; political messaging and image-management for forthcoming VP election and legislative agenda |
