'Insulted Every Soldier's Widow': Punjab CM’s Op Sindoor Jibe At PM Modi Draws BJP Fury

Last Updated:June 03, 2025, 15:22 IST

Mann on Tuesday stirred controversy with a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while commenting on Operation Sindoor

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann (PTI/File)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday stirred controversy with a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while commenting on Operation Sindoor, drawing sharp criticism from the BJP.

Speaking to the media after a cabinet meeting in Chandigarh, Mann took a jibe at the BJP’s campaign around the operation and questioned the symbolic use of sindoor, a traditional symbol of marriage worn by many Hindu women.

“What can we do about it? You are asking for votes in the name of sindoor," Mann said.

“Sindoor is now being used as a joke. They’re saying they’ll send sindoor to every household, he said. “If sindoor is sent to your home, will you wear it in Modi’s name? Is this one nation, one husband? Is that the scheme?"

The comment drew immediate and sharp criticism from the BJP, with the party’s Chandigarh unit slamming the Chief Minister in a lengthy post on social media platform X.

“Bhagwant Mann just mocked Operation Sindoor, asking: “Will you wear sindoor in Modi’s name? Is this One Nation, One Husband?" This isn’t satire. This is vulgarity dressed as leadership," the BJP post said.

The party further explained that Operation Sindoor was launched after Hindu women were specifically targeted by terrorists and identified by their sindoor. “Let’s be clear: Operation Sindoor was launched after Hindu women were targeted by terrorists, identified by their sindoor. It was about justice for the innocent, not a joke."

“But how would Bhagwant Mann understand? A man who: Abandoned his first wife and children Mocks martyrdom Insults Veer Naris and the Indian Army Mocks sacred symbols women wear with pride," the post continued.

Punjab BJP’s chief spokesperson, Pritpal Singh Baliawal, also reacted strongly, calling Mann’s comment “shamelessness wearing a CM’s turban."

“You haven’t insulted BJP, Mr. Mann — You’ve insulted every soldier’s widow, every grieving wife, and the spirit of Bharat. Bhagwant Mann must RESIGN immediately and APOLOGISE to the entire nation," Baliawal stated.

Operation Sindoor was India’s military response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April, in which 26 civilians were killed. In a pre-dawn strike on 7 May, Indian armed forces targeted nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Key targets included Jaish-e-Mohammad’s base in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s headquarters in Muridke.

Chandigarh, India, India

News politics 'Insulted Every Soldier's Widow': Punjab CM’s Op Sindoor Jibe At PM Modi Draws BJP Fury