BJP MP’s tongue slips on Pahalgam attack – ‘Women should have fought’
#News Bureau May 24,2024
Operation Sindoor posters were shown during PM Modi’s Gujarat roadshow. The opposition accused the BJP of politicising the military action. There is a huge crisis of water, health and education in Gujarat. But no one is paying attention to that.
PM Modi’s Gujarat Visit: Grand Roadshow, Operation Sindoor Posters, and Rising Political Heat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in his home state Gujarat today for a two-day visit, kicking off his tour with a grand roadshow in Vadodara. The event was heavily marked by the presence of posters and hoardings celebrating “Operation Sindoor,” India’s recent military operation in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The family of Colonel Sophia, who often represents the operation in official briefings, also joined the roadshow to welcome the Prime Minister.
These posters prominently featured PM Modi alongside Indian soldiers and even depicted him in military attire—sparking sharp political reactions. The opposition had already anticipated such a move and had issued warnings about the possible politicization of military action.
Operation Sindoor and the Political Optics
Operation Sindoor, being projected as a symbol of India’s tough stance against terrorism, involved Indian Air Force strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). However, opposition parties—particularly the Aam Aadmi Party—have accused the BJP and PM Modi of using this military action as a campaign tool. AAP alleged through social media posts that the valor of Indian forces was being exploited for electoral gain.
This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Gujarat after the operation. Streets in various cities were lined with massive billboards, posters, and hoardings, praising both the success of Operation Sindoor and the leadership of the Prime Minister and the armed forces. Prominent intersections in cities like Ahmedabad and Bhuj were plastered with promotional material.
From National Security to Local Realities
While PM Modi used his roadshow platform to highlight messages of development and self-reliance, he didn’t shy away from referencing Operation Sindoor. “Those who spread terror are trying to snatch our sindoor,” he said, adding that this would no longer be tolerated. “Operation Sindoor represents our new doctrine.”
Yet, the backdrop of Modi’s Gujarat tour reveals persistent challenges in the state. Despite the fanfare, fundamental issues such as water scarcity, inadequate healthcare, and crumbling education infrastructure remain unresolved.
Modi served as Gujarat’s Chief Minister from 2001 to 2014, with the “Gujarat Model” once hailed as a benchmark for development. However, recent data and ground reports tell a different story. Several regions, especially in Saurashtra and Kutch, are grappling with severe water shortages. While pipelines under the Jal Jeevan Mission have been laid, water supply remains inconsistent in many villages.
Healthcare is also under strain. Reports of missing basic facilities and alleged scams under the Ayushman Bharat scheme—such as inflated billing and overcharging by private hospitals—have raised questions about the effectiveness and integrity of health services.
In education, the situation is equally concerning. According to the 2013 DISE survey, Gujarat’s school dropout rate stands at 58%, significantly higher than the national average of 49%. Many government schools have shut due to lack of funding, and the Vidya Sahayak scheme is criticized for offering meager salaries to teachers, thereby affecting the quality of education.
Political Implications and Bihar in BJP’s Focus
While Gujarat’s next state election is slated for 2027, the BJP appears to be leveraging the imagery and narrative of Operation Sindoor for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The use of military posters and rhetoric is being viewed as part of a broader political strategy. The opposition, including the Congress and AAP, has accused the BJP of politicizing military achievements to influence voters.
Adding to the emotional appeal of the roadshow, the parents and sister of Colonel Sophia were also present in Vadodara to greet PM Modi, drawing further media and public attention.
PM Modi’s visit energized his supporters, but it also reignited debates on governance and the use of national security in political campaigns. As attention turns toward Bihar and beyond, how the government addresses Gujarat’s pressing issues—and how the opposition counters the BJP’s narrative—will play a crucial role in shaping the political discourse in the coming months.
