The political atmosphere in India has once again heated up following the reported failure of Operation Sindoor, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) facing sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Among the most vocal critics is Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari, who has strongly condemned the Modi government, raising questions not only about foreign policy missteps but also about the deteriorating state of law and order in BJP-ruled states—particularly crimes against women in Madhya Pradesh.
Background: What Was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor, though not officially detailed by the Indian government, is believed to have been a covert or limited military operation possibly aimed at countering cross-border threats or asserting India’s regional stance. Reports from international and South Asian media outlets suggest that the operation was met with strong resistance and defeat at the hands of the Pakistani armed forces, triggering widespread political embarrassment for the Indian government.
Although official statements from the Indian defense establishment remain minimal, sources indicate that the operation did not achieve its intended strategic goals, leading to both domestic and international criticism.
Opposition Seizes the Moment: Jitu Patwari’s Direct Attack on PM Modi
In the wake of the operation’s alleged failure, Jitu Patwari, a senior Congress leader and the Madhya Pradesh unit president, took a blistering swipe at the Modi administration, directly targeting the Prime Minister’s rhetoric around nationalism, honor, and women’s dignity.
Speaking at a public rally, Patwari said:
“Modi ji, you talk about Sindoor (vermillion signifying the dignity and honor of women), but why don’t you ask why 25 daughters are raped every single day in Madhya Pradesh?”
His comments sharply juxtaposed the Prime Minister’s symbolic reference to protecting India’s honor with real-life gender-based violence happening under BJP’s watch.
The Balaghat Case: A Shocking Reminder of Ground Realities
Patwari went on to reference a recent and deeply disturbing incident in Balaghat district, where four young girls were allegedly gang-raped throughout the night by a group of criminals. The heinous crime has drawn outrage from civil society and women’s rights activists, exposing the fragility of law enforcement and the vulnerability of women in the state.
“Have you ever heard of such incidents? Beasts kept raping four daughters all night. And yet you keep talking about Sindoor and symbolism. What about justice for these girls?” Patwari asked.
This powerful statement aimed to shift public discourse from rhetorical nationalism to pressing domestic issues, particularly the rising violence against women in Madhya Pradesh, which is governed by the BJP.
The Rs 3,000 Guarantee: Another Broken Promise?
During his speech, Jitu Patwari also criticized the Modi government for what he described as “hollow promises” made to women. Referring to a financial assistance guarantee of Rs 3,000—which was supposedly part of a welfare initiative for women—he questioned the delivery and implementation of the scheme.
“You gave them a guarantee of Rs 3,000. What happened to that? And what happened to the honor and safety of these sisters? Is this your idea of protecting Sindoor?”
His remarks underscored a broader theme in opposition rhetoric: accusing the BJP of using symbolic gestures to deflect from governance failures.
Law and Order Under Fire: CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan Also Targeted
Jitu Patwari also directed criticism at Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who concurrently holds the Home Ministry portfolio in the state. Patwari questioned why, despite BJP being in power for years, the trust and safety of women continue to be compromised.
“Modi ji, in Bhopal you’re talking about Sindoor. But your Chief Minister is also the Home Minister. What happened to the trust of the sisters in Madhya Pradesh?”
These comments highlight what Congress and other opposition parties argue is a pattern of lawlessness, rising crime, and ineffective policing under BJP-led administrations.
Nationalism vs. Ground Realities: Opposition Reshaping the Narrative
The opposition’s rhetoric, especially from leaders like Jitu Patwari, is designed to counter the BJP’s dominant narrative of nationalism and symbolic strength. By bringing up issues like:
- Unemployment
- Women’s safety
- Broken promises on welfare schemes
- Failures in foreign policy or military ventures
The Congress party aims to present a more grounded, relatable alternative to voters who are increasingly disillusioned with high-pitched nationalist speeches that fail to translate into improved quality of life.
Rising Crimes Against Women in Madhya Pradesh: A Grim Picture
Patwari’s comments are not without statistical backing. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Madhya Pradesh has consistently ranked among the top Indian states for reported cases of rape and violence against women.
In 2023 alone:
- Over 6,000 rape cases were reported
- Several incidents involved minors and marginalized women
- Conviction rates remained alarmingly low
- Victim protection and police response were deemed inadequate by watchdog groups
These realities challenge the state’s claims of maintaining law and order, especially when the Chief Minister is also the Home Minister, making him directly accountable.
BJP’s Sindoor Symbolism: A Double-Edged Sword?
The BJP, particularly Prime Minister Modi, has often used cultural and symbolic references like Sindoor, Mangalsutra, and traditional Indian values to connect with the conservative voter base. While such references are emotionally resonant, they are also increasingly being scrutinized by the public and opposition alike, especially when they appear to contradict the lived experiences of women in BJP-governed areas.
Political analysts suggest that while symbolism works in the short term, overreliance on it without corresponding policy performance can lead to backlash, especially in states where people face rampant crime and poor governance.
Public Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Patwari’s statements have gone viral on social media platforms, sparking intense debate. Hashtags like #JusticeForBalaghatGirls, #SindoorOrSafety, and #MPWomenDeserveBetter trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with netizens demanding accountability.
Many users posted:
“What is the use of nationalism when our daughters are not safe at home?”
“We don’t want symbolic respect—we want action, protection, and justice.”
Such reactions indicate a growing awareness and impatience among the public regarding the disconnect between government narratives and on-the-ground realities.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Governance Priorities
The failure of Operation Sindoor, followed by Jitu Patwari’s direct and emotional attack on Prime Minister Modi and the BJP’s governance record, has opened a new front in India’s political debate. It underscores a fundamental question:
Can symbolic gestures and foreign policy bravado substitute for real governance, especially when basic rights like women’s safety remain unmet?
As the nation heads into critical elections and policy debates, it remains to be seen whether the Modi government will acknowledge these challenges or double down on symbolism. What’s certain is that the opposition is no longer shying away from calling out contradictions, and voices like Patwari’s are amplifying the call for substance over slogans.
