23

May

War Ends, Election Campaign Begins

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Dr. Muzaffar Hussain Ghazali

New Delhi | Friday | 23 May 2025

The terrorist attack in Pahalgam triggered a wave of shock and unity across India. The Prime Minister, speaking at an election rally in Bihar, vowed that the perpetrators would face consequences beyond imagination. In an all-party meeting, the opposition pledged support, and public pressure mounted for swift and decisive action.

India’s response was severe. Diplomatic ties with Pakistan were severed, trade was suspended, borders were sealed, and Pakistani nationals were repatriated. The Indus Waters Treaty was revoked. Unfortunately, communal tensions flared in parts of the country. Incidents of violence against Muslims were reported—people were assaulted after being asked their names, a mosque in Nainital was attacked, and Muslim-owned businesses were vandalized.

Yet, amid the chaos, stories of unity emerged. In Pahalgam, local Muslims helped victims irrespective of religion—some carried the injured to hospitals, refused to charge tourists for services, and shut down shops in protest against terrorism. Muslim clerics across Kashmir condemned the attack and expressed support for government action.

As tensions escalated toward potential war, the government simultaneously announced a caste-based census. But public sentiment was clear: justice first. On the night of May 7, India launched a retaliatory strike, destroying nine terrorist camps in a surprise operation named Operation Sindoor. It was a strong message that India’s patience had run out.

Significantly, the strike was led by Wing Commander Sofia Qureshi of the Indian Air Force, with Wing Commander Vomika Singh also part of the operation. Their leadership sent a powerful signal of inclusion and non-communalism. Still, online trolls targeted both officers and even Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, exposing the toxicity that has seeped into parts of public discourse.

 

Article at a Glance
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam shocked India, prompting a strong response from the government, including severing diplomatic ties with Pakistan and launching Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps. Prime Minister Modi's initial silence raised questions about the government's strategy, especially after a ceasefire was announced, leading to speculation about U.S. involvement and the nature of the agreement. Despite communal tensions and violence against Muslims, stories of unity emerged, with local Muslims aiding victims. The operation was led by Wing Commanders Sofia Qureshi and Vomika Singh, symbolizing inclusion. However, the BJP faced backlash from its online supporters, complicating the narrative. As India shifts from conflict to an election campaign, the opposition's role remains uncertain, raising questions about political unity in times of crisis.

Despite the urgency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained silent for nearly 20 days, skipping the all-party meeting and prompting widespread speculation. Only on May 12—after a ceasefire was announced—did he address the nation. By then, questions had already taken root: Was the ceasefire initiated by the US? Did China assist Pakistan? Was India pressured into the agreement?

Reports suggested ongoing backchannel talks at the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) level. The Prime Minister’s long-awaited address was expected to clarify matters, particularly regarding Operation Sindoor. Instead, his earlier silence had fueled confusion and, some argue, cost India diplomatically. BJP leaders, sensing the need to regain control of the narrative, met at party president J.P. Nadda’s residence and announced a ten-day “Tiranga Yatra” (Flag March) to publicize the operation’s success.

In his speech, Modi subtly refuted U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about mediating on Kashmir, reiterating that the issue was strictly bilateral. He warned that nuclear blackmail would not be tolerated and stated unequivocally: “Blood and water cannot flow together.” He praised the armed forces and underscored that dialogue with Pakistan could only revolve around Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Nonetheless, skepticism remains. If Pakistan was on the back foot, why was the ceasefire announced? Why did the U.S. speak before India? Was there a formal agreement—or was it based on mere verbal assurances? Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Pakistan claimed victory, and ceasefire violations continued. These unresolved questions are now being raised by opposition parties, BJP supporters, and journalists alike.

The backlash extended to Foreign Secretary Misri and his family, who faced trolling after announcing the ceasefire. This incident highlighted a troubling reality—the BJP’s own online support base has turned volatile, creating a Frankenstein’s monster that the party can no longer fully control.

Did Operation Sindoor achieve its goals? Military sources say yes, though details remain classified. Air Marshal Bharti offered a measured assessment, stating the operation was a proportional response. Politically, however, the BJP seems to have struggled in converting the incident into electoral gain, which perhaps compelled the Prime Minister to finally break his silence.

At a rally from the Adampur Airbase, Modi struck a defiant tone, declaring, “Whenever you fight, you will lose. There will be no place for terrorists to hide. We will strike inside your homes.” Yet, his message was undercut by a puzzling statement from the Foreign Minister—that Pakistan had been forewarned about the strike on terror camps. This led to public confusion: Was the operation symbolic? Was there behind-the-scenes coordination?

To restore momentum and reshape global perception, the government is dispatching a delegation of MPs to UN Security Council and NATO countries to explain the threat India faces and outline Operation Sindoor. The delegation, led by Shashi Tharoor, excludes members from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and TMC—raising questions about political inclusiveness during a national crisis.

As India transitions from a state of war to a heated election campaign, the opposition is now at a crossroads. Will it rise above partisan interests to play a constructive role, or will it remain entrenched in political calculations? The answer to that is yet to come.

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( The author : An academician -turned journalist, Dr Gazali is Editor of Mumbai-based NVN and a regular writer on socio-political matters )

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