New Delhi: Defending the Narendra Modi government’s assertive national security posture, BJP MP and national vice-president Baijayant ‘Jay’ Panda delivered a strongly-worded speech in Parliament on Monday, describing Operation Sindoor as a landmark moment in India’s strategic doctrine. He declared that the operation marks a “new normal” in how India deals with cross-border terrorism, distinguishing it from past military actions like the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot air strikes.
“India is now the first country in the world to strike 11 airbases of a nuclear-armed nation, destroying nearly 20% of Pakistan’s air force. This is not a reaction—this is the Modi Doctrine in action,” Panda said during the Lok Sabha debate on national security, drawing applause from the treasury benches and audible protests from the Opposition.
Operation Sindoor: More Than a Military Response
The BJP leader emphasized that Operation Sindoor, launched in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, is a strategic shift rather than a one-off retaliation. “This is not a tit-for-tat. This is calibrated. It’s doctrine, not emotion,” Panda said, reiterating that India’s security posture has fundamentally changed under Prime Minister Modi.
“From surgical strikes to Balakot, and now to Operation Sindoor, each step shows how we’ve evolved. But this is more than escalation. This is deterrence,” he noted.
Opposition Criticized for Failing to Question Pakistan
In a pointed critique of the Congress and other Opposition parties, Panda accused them of failing to hold Pakistan accountable for repeated terror attacks.
“I find it disappointing that members of the Opposition have not questioned Pakistan’s failures—its inability to stop terror camps, its fake denials, and its cross-border aggression. Instead, we see them raising doubts about our own armed forces and government,” he said.
Panda also referenced what he described as internal censorship within the Congress party. “Many good leaders on their side—like Shashi Tharoor—have views that never make it to the mic. No one could stop me from speaking. Can they say the same?” he asked.
Clarifying on International Pressure
Addressing questions from the Opposition regarding international pressure behind India halting hostilities after the operation, Panda categorically denied that India had acted under duress.
“Any nation can make suggestions in global diplomacy. But let me clarify—it was Pakistan that requested a cessation of hostilities. India paused not under pressure, but after achieving operational objectives and securing a diplomatic message,” he stated.
‘New Normal’ vs Past Policy
Panda said the difference between past and present responses is that India is no longer reactive. “After the Mumbai attacks, India did nothing militarily. After Uri, we responded. After Pulwama, we struck deep. And now, after Pahalgam, we struck with Sindoor—a far greater scale. This is the New Normal,” he emphasized.
He said the doctrine now includes preemptive, punitive, and overwhelming response strategies that deter future attacks.
Debate Marred by Disruptions, Political Tension
Panda’s speech came amid a highly charged debate in both Houses of Parliament. In the Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s speech was repeatedly interrupted, prompting Union Home Minister Amit Shah to interject and rebuke the Opposition for “believing foreign reports over your own government.”
In the Rajya Sabha, BJP President J.P. Nadda and Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge engaged in a heated exchange that led to Nadda withdrawing his remarks after being asked by the Chair.
Congress Response: Priyanka Gandhi Targets Modi Govt
Earlier, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the government’s silence on the intelligence and operational failures leading up to the Pahalgam attack. “They mentioned Nehru, my mother’s tears, but never told us what they did to prevent the attack,” she said.
Congress also questioned the sudden halt to hostilities and asked why Parliament was not taken into confidence earlier about Operation Sindoor.
With Panda’s remarks, the BJP sought to reclaim the narrative around national security, presenting Operation Sindoor as a moment of strategic clarity and military dominance. His speech, layered with political messaging, military justification, and diplomatic framing, underscored the government’s attempt to define 2025 as a year when India redefined the rules of engagement.
