by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday delivered a forceful speech in the Lok Sabha to conclude the debate on Operation Sindoor, describing it as a historic military and strategic victory against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and warning that India’s resolve to retaliate to any future provocations remains firm.
Calling the current Parliament session a “victory celebration,” Modi said: “I had told the media this Parliament session is a celebration of turning Pakistan’s terror headquarters to dust.”
The Prime Minister said the Indian response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack was swift and devastating. “We avenged that attack in just 22 minutes,” Modi said, crediting the Indian armed forces for carrying out strikes across previously untouched targets deep inside Pakistan. “We went where we hadn’t before into every corner of Pakistan and blew up their terror hideouts.”
He asserted that Pakistan’s nuclear threats no longer held weight. “We showed that nuclear blackmail won’t work. We won’t bow to it,” he declared, adding that made-in-India drones and missiles played a decisive role in exposing the weaknesses of Pakistan’s arsenal.
Diplomatic Calm, Strategic Clarity
Modi revealed that upon returning from a visit to Saudi Arabia, he immediately convened a high-level security meeting and gave the armed forces a “free hand” to decide how, when, and where to act. He confirmed that India had clearly communicated its objectives to Pakistan’s military leadership before striking.
“Pakistan’s DGMO called us, saying, ‘Stop it, we’ve taken enough hits,’” the Prime Minister said, claiming this marked a turning point in how India and Pakistan understood each other’s red lines.
“No world leader asked India to stop. Even the US Vice President tried to reach me for an hour on the night of the 9th. When I called back, he warned of a major Pakistani retaliation. I told him clearly — we will respond to bullets with bombs,” Modi stated.
Scathing Attack on Congress
Modi used the speech to deliver a sharp political rebuke to the Congress party, accusing it of echoing Pakistan’s propaganda and undermining national morale. “Even in the killing of innocent people, Congress was looking for selfish political gain. Their pettiness was hurting the morale of our security forces,” he said.
He criticised Congress MPs for initially denying the military operation, and then questioning its timing. “First they refused to accept that Operation Sindoor even happened. Now they’re asking why it was stopped. The country is laughing at them,” he said.
He cited Congress’s historical failures in defence and security, including their handling of the Indus Waters Treaty and the missed opportunity to reclaim Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 1971. “Before asking why PoK wasn’t reclaimed now, they should answer who let Pakistan take it in the first place,” he added.
“Congress is importing issues from Pakistan to stay politically relevant. Their leaders have turned into spokespersons for Pakistan’s propaganda,” Modi said.
He also invoked past criticisms against Congress, such as holding “Aman ki Asha” mushairas amid ongoing terror strikes, and siding with convicted terrorists like Afzal Guru. “Terrorism grew under Congress due to appeasement. Some even cried over terrorists,” he said.
Operation Mahadev and Beyond
Responding to Opposition’s jibes over the timing of fresh military action in Kashmir’s southern region under “Operation Mahadev”, Modi said, “Congress even asked whether the operation was deliberately done on a Monday of the Sawan month. This is the kind of triviality they’ve reduced themselves to.”
Modi reiterated that Operation Sindoor remains active. “This is a notice for Pakistan. Until they shut down the terror routes, India will retaliate strongly,” he warned, adding that securing the future of the nation is a non-negotiable priority.
He ended his speech by thanking the armed forces, young innovators in defence manufacturing, and the Parliament, calling upon Congress MPs not to let “a single family’s pressure” turn a moment of national unity into political ridicule.
“I represented India. I spoke about the sentiments of my people. I thank the House,” Modi concluded.
Opposition Reaction
The Congress party is yet to issue a formal response to the Prime Minister’s address, though senior leaders have previously accused the government of politicising national security and called for transparency on military operations. Some MPs were barred from speaking during the debate due to disruptions, leading to further controversy.
With Operation Sindoor still active and political polarisation deepening, the coming days are expected to witness more heated exchanges over national security and the role of political consensus in times of military action.
