Why Opposition’s Backing Of ‘Operation Sindoor’ Marks A Shift From 2016 And Balakot Reactions

Top leaders from the government will meet with leaders of different political parties, including those from the Opposition, on Thursday. They will explain the recent military strikes carried out by India on terrorist camps inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Even before this meeting, the Opposition parties, no matter their political views, came together to support the government’s actions right after the strikes—called Operation Sindoor.

Earlier, the Opposition had already given full support to the government’s decision to act against those behind the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam. However, the Congress party had also raised concerns about failures in intelligence and security. They asked the government to find out who was responsible and to take action quickly. Still, they agreed that the country must stand together and take strong steps against Pakistan to stop terrorism.

But on Wednesday, the tone changed. The Congress and other Opposition parties gave their support to the government without raising any concerns. They also strongly praised the Indian armed forces. Now, let’s go back to 2019. After the Balakot airstrikes—done in response to the Pulwama attack that killed 40 Indian soldiers—things were different. At that time, during the election season, 21 Opposition parties released a statement saying they were unhappy that the BJP was using the military’s actions for political gains.

Later, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh asked the government to show proof of the damage caused in Balakot. This caused criticism and backlash for him and his party. During the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign, the BJP criticized the Congress for what it called “anti-national” comments. This likely damaged Congress’s image with voters.

The BJP’s strong reaction showed that it had become more aggressive in defending military actions since 2016. That year, after Indian soldiers were killed in a terror attack at the Uri army camp, the Modi government carried out surgical strikes on terrorist launchpads across the Line of Control. Some Opposition leaders then questioned the strikes and asked for more details, which the BJP didn’t take lightly.

After the strikes on September 28-29, 2016, the Modi government called an all-party meeting. Then Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj even visited Congress president Sonia Gandhi personally, as she was recovering from illness. Sonia released a statement saying Congress supported the government and praised the army for sending a strong message against terrorism.

Rahul Gandhi also posted on social media, saying everyone stood united against terrorism and saluting the Indian soldiers. But just a few days later, he accused PM Modi of using the army’s actions for political gain. He said he supported the surgical strikes, but not using the army’s name in political posters. His words upset many, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Arvind Kejriwal said Rahul shouldn’t have made such comments, especially at a time when unity was needed.

BJP leaders also attacked the Congress for questioning the strikes. BJP President Amit Shah said anyone who doubted the army had insulted it. Now, cut to the present. After the government announced the details of Operation Sindoor, the Congress quickly held a meeting of its top leaders to make sure everyone was on the same page. Rahul Gandhi said the party gave its full support and love to the armed forces, making sure to praise the military but not the government directly. Other Opposition parties did the same.

The Congress also decided to pause all its political programs for now, including the Samvidhan Bachao rallies. This was suggested by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Earlier that day, the Karnataka Congress had posted a peace message with a Mahatma Gandhi quote on social media, but they deleted it and replaced it with a message praising the army.

NCP (Sharad Pawar group) leader Sharad Pawar said he spoke directly with PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, offering his party’s full support. Many Opposition leaders didn’t even wait for the official government briefing—they praised the military as soon as the operation was announced. Former Defence Minister A. K. Antony, who has often been criticized by the Modi government, said Operation Sindoor is “just the beginning.” He said he believes the Indian Army will continue to take strong action against terrorist camps that are protected by the Pakistan Army along the border.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said, “The courage of the Indian Army is the pride of every Indian. We are all united against terrorism. Jai Hind!” RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, who is preparing for a tough election fight in Bihar, also praised the army. He said, “The Indian Army always protects our mothers, sisters, and their dignity. If those who support terrorism attack our unity or our country, we will fight back together. All 140 crore Indians stand with the Army and the Government.”

Other Opposition leaders gave similar messages of support. Even strong BJP critics like Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav praised the army’s actions. CPI leader D. Raja, who rarely praises the Modi government, said that India had no choice but to respond strongly. He added that the strikes were carefully planned—they did not target Pakistan’s military but focused only on terrorist camps. This, he said, showed that India wanted to punish terrorists without starting a bigger war.

“ALSO READ: How Opposition Leaders Reacted to Operation Sindoor After Pahalgam Terror Attack”