BJP uses ‘Op Sindoor’ to woo electorate

With just few days left for the crucial Ludhiana West bypoll, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has turned to nationalist sentiments and emotional symbolism, distributing four-page campaign pamphlets centered around ‘Operation Sindoor’.

The pamphlet features an image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Indian fighter jet in the background and ‘Operation Sindoor - determination against terrorism’ written on its cover page.

On the second page, it is written and explained how India gave a befitting reply to Pakistan. First time, terrorists and their supporters had been given reply at the same time. Over 100 terrorists have been reportedly killed in the operation.

Further, they have photos of two Indian defence officers – Col Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. It is stated that under their leadership, officials have shown courage and made a planning of exact strikes, in which terrorist points were damaged. It is also stated in it that under Operation Sindoor, the Indus water treaty was suspended. Only the Narendra Modi-led Central Government had the courage to take this step.

On page three, it is written that under the operation, India conducted strikes till the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is also written that with Rafael and missiles, India damaged Pakistan’s defence system. With Rafael jets, SCALP missile and HAMMER bombs, India, without any damage, completed its mission. This is victory for our defence technology and political capability.

On page 4, photos and statements of political opponents - CM Bhagwant Mann, PPCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, former CM Charanjit Singh Channi and Sukhpal Khaira are given with a headline stating the Opposition has always insulted Indian forces. In the end, it is stated that under the UPA government from 2004-2014, India faced many big terrorist attacks, including 2008 Mumbai attack in which 166 persons were killed and Mumbai train attack in 2006 that killed 209 persons but the Congress government did not had the courage to give befitting reply to Pakistan.

However, the pamphlet doesn’t have any symbol of the BJP or the name of its candidate.