Jaya Bachchan Questions ‘Operation Sindoor’ Name in Rajya Sabha After Pahalgam Attack

Samajwadi Party MP and veteran actor Jaya Bachchan created a stir in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday as she questioned the naming of India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack as “Operation Sindoor”.

She pointed out that many women lost their husbands in the incident and, in her words, “lost their sindoor.”

Condolences and a Critical Remark

Participating in the debate on the April 22 Pahalgam attack and the following military operation, Jaya Bachchan began by expressing condolences to the families of the 26 victims who were killed in Baisaran Valley, Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the treasury benches, she said, “I would congratulate you on the writers you have hired. You give grand names. Why did you name it ‘Sindoor’? Sindoor toh ujad gaya, the wives of those who were killed.”

Concerns Over Article 370 and Safety Promises

She questioned the government’s assurance of peace following the abrogation of Article 370, criticising claims made about the end of terrorism.

“The tourists who went there, why did they go there? After the abolition of Article 370, they were chest-thumping that terrorism would be finished… what happened? The tourists went there believing that,” she remarked.

She accused the government of betraying public trust. “You have destroyed the faith and trust of people you promised. Those families will never forgive you. You do not have the ability to apologise to those families,” she said.

Emphasis on Humanity Over Arms

Continuing her criticism, Bachchan underlined the need for humility in power.

“Humility in power is very important,” she said. She further commented on the Defence Minister’s statement on India’s self-reliance in manufacturing weapons, questioning its relevance in preventing such attacks.

“The Defence Minister said we are self-reliant, we are manufacturing this and that. What is the point when you were not even able to save 25–26 people? Bombs will not help, basic humanity is required.”

Clashes in the Rajya Sabha

During her speech, Bachchan was interrupted by MPs from the ruling party, prompting her to say, “Either you speak or I will speak. When you speak, I don’t interrupt. When a woman speaks, I never interrupt. So please mind your tongue.”

When Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi tried to calm her down, Bachchan snapped, “Priyanka, don’t control me,” while Chaturvedi responded with a laugh.

BJP Reacts Strongly to Bachchan’s Comments

Her remarks drew immediate criticism from BJP leaders. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla responded, “Just see their mindset. Jaya Bachchan ji, the terrorists destroyed sindoor, but sindoor is not just for embellishment; it is also a symbol of strength and capability. The name Operation Sindoor was chosen to send a message: you wipe off sindoor, we will destroy you. This was achieved.”

Reports indicate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the operation after the Pahalgam attackers lined up Hindu men and shot them in front of their families.

The name “Operation Sindoor” was meant to reflect the pain of women whose husbands were killed.

Political Uproar Over Religious Symbolism

Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan criticised the ruling party for naming operations after religious symbols, stating, “They know nothing except naming operations after religious symbols. They inject religious fundamentalism into everything they do. They are trying to polarise the situation into a Hindu versus Muslim conflict.”

In response, BJP’s C R Kesavan called Chavan’s remarks “most deplorable.”

He defended the symbolism used in national mottos and military traditions, stating, “Satyameva Jayate inscribed on our national symbol is from the Mundaka Upanishad. The motto of the Indian Navy ‘Sham No Varunah’ is from the Rig Veda. So for the Communal Congress are Satyameva Jayate and Sham No Varunah signs of religious fundamentalism?”

Kesavan demanded an apology from Chavan, stating that failure to do so would signal agreement from the Congress leadership with such “divisive mentality.”