The Central government convened an all-party meeting following the launch of Operation Sindoor—a targeted military operation against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. The operation followed the Pahalgam terror attack. The meeting, a day later, was intended to apprise opposition and government leaders. It addressed the goals, targets hit, and India’s readiness for retaliation.
This time around, the reaction from the opposition was different. In contrast to 2016 and 2019, leaders from all parties were unanimous in their support for the operation.
#WATCH | Centre holds all-party meeting to brief all political parties on #OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/q96NZnhUY6
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025
Opposition’s Reaction in 2016: URI Strikes
Earlier in 2016, there was tension following the Uri attack that resulted in the death of numerous Indian soldiers. The Modi government retaliated with surgical strikes along the LoC. Congress president Sonia Gandhi approved the move at first.
However, her son Rahul Gandhi later alleged that PM Modi had politicized the soldiers’ sacrifice. A number of opposition leaders called for evidence of the strike. Consequently, the moment of solidarity did not last long and soon transformed into political controversy.
2019: Balakot Air Strikes
The same trend continued in 2019. Following the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel, India conducted airstrikes against Balakot. Opposition parties questioned this too. Some wondered if the strike was effective.
Others accused the BJP of politicizing the military action. 21 opposition parties issued a joint statement condemning this. The atmosphere was more combative than collaborative.
Support for Operation Sindoor
This time, though, the mood was different. Operation Sindoor elicited without exception wholehearted support. There were no calls for evidence. No political acrimony. The Congress Working Committee even went so far as to officially endorse the military operation.
They suspended party activities even to demonstrate solidarity. This reaction was in stark contrast to their responses in previous years.
Operation Sindoor: Revenge of Pahalgam Attack
The Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the death of 26 individuals—most of them tourists—left the whole country shocked. The outrage was vociferous and nationwide. The sadness was profound and intimate. Politicians responded by setting aside their traditional rivalries. The people’s pressure played a significant part in bringing them together. Political games had little room in the wake of this tragedy.
Operation Sindoor represents a distinct shift in India’s political reaction to terror. National security was once a priority, for a change. As relations with Pakistan remain strained, this unusual consensus carries a powerful message. It proves that when the country is on the same side when it comes to combating terror, political divisions don’t matter.
