Swami Prasad Maurya Questions Operation Sindoor; Experts Say UP Leader Seeks Relevance

Last Updated:May 21, 2025, 04:05 IST

The former UP minister, who recently launched a new political outfit, also accused the Modi government at the Centre of misleading the country under the guise of nationalism

Maurya alleged that the government had failed to provide any credible evidence of neutralising terrorists. File pic/PTI

Swami Prasad Maurya, who recently launched a new political outfit, has sparked a controversy once again by lashing out at India’s recent military campaign against Pakistan, Operation Sindoor. During his visit to Ayodhya, the former Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister in both the BJP and BSP governments not only questioned the authenticity of the operation but also accused the Narendra Modi government at the Centre of misleading the country under the guise of nationalism. However, political experts called Maurya’s remarks part of a calculated strategy to rebrand himself as a fierce anti-establishment voice in UP.

While addressing the media and a gathering of party workers, Maurya claimed that the “much-publicised" military offensive against terror camps in Pakistan was nothing but a “political stunt" designed to distract the public and gain sympathy ahead of crucial political developments.

“When the government announced Operation Sindoor, we believed it was a decisive strike against terrorism. But within 24 hours, the so-called operation fizzled out. It was all sound and fury, signifying nothing," he said.

Maurya alleged that the government had failed to provide any credible evidence of neutralising terrorists. “If no terrorist was killed, then against whom was this operation carried out? The government owes the nation an explanation," he said. He went further, claiming that Indian women were emotionally manipulated in the name of the sacred symbol ‘sindoor’, and that their sentiments were disrespected under the pretext of national honour.

‘Controversial comments aimed at brand-building’

According to Dr Shashikant Pandey, head of the department of political science at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Swami Prasad Maurya’s scathing attack on Operation Sindoor is a calculated move aimed at reclaiming relevance in Uttar Pradesh’s shifting political landscape.

“Maurya has long been known for courting controversy to stay in the headlines," Pandey said. He explained that after parting ways with major parties like the BJP and SP, Maurya is trying to reposition himself as a vocal anti-establishment leader by targeting emotionally charged issues.

Pandey noted that such remarks are typical of Maurya’s style—provocative, polarising, and often timed for maximum political mileage. “He knows that questioning military operations garners media attention and triggers sharp reactions, which helps him connect with a specific voter base that feels alienated by the mainstream narrative," Pandey added. “His comments, while controversial, serve the purpose of brand-building in an already polarised polity."

Besides, Maurya launched a scathing attack on the BJP, saying, “This government is fooling sisters and mothers of the country. Operation Sindoor was part of a scripted propaganda campaign. The BJP’s true character—deception and distraction—is being exposed. We will take this truth to the people."

Maurya also credited the Indian electorate for preventing the BJP from reaching its ambitious goal of 400 Lok Sabha seats in 2024. “Had they crossed 400, they would have tampered with the Constitution. Thanks to the vigilance of the people, the BJP is now forced to rely on allies," he added.

He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for One Nation One Election, Maurya countered it by demanding One Nation One Education. “If we truly want to unite India, we must first ensure equal education for all. There should be no difference in what a village child and a city child learn. Education should be the same for rich and poor, rural and urban alike," he said, calling this the real form of nation-building.

‘Staged confrontation’

Maurya’s attack didn’t stop in Ayodhya. A day earlier, in Sultanpur, he reiterated his stand, calling Operation Sindoor a “mockery" and suggesting it could be a “staged confrontation". He expressed doubt over the sudden declaration of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan just four days after the operation began. “If it was truly a war on terror, why was it called off so quickly? This looks like a fixed match," he alleged.

He claimed that the deaths of brave Indian soldiers and civilians had been trivialised. “Our martyrs’ sacrifices have been mocked. It seems the entire episode was crafted for cheap publicity. The government insulted the sindoor of our sisters," he said.

What Indian forces said on Operation Sindoor

According to the Indian Army, Operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. On May 7, India conducted precision airstrikes on nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation reportedly eliminated over 100 terrorists, including high-profile operatives like Yousuf Azhar—mastermind of the 1999 IC-814 flight hijacking—and Abdul Malik Rauf, linked to the 2019 Pulwama attack.

Indian forces targeted terror camps in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Sialkot, Muridke, and Bahawalpur. Pakistan army officers attended the funerals of those killed, confirming significant casualties. In the ensuing conflict, Pakistani media and officials, including PM Shehbaz Sharif, acknowledged the strikes, with Sharif admitting that India’s ballistic missiles hit key installations, including the Noor Khan airbase. On May 18, the Indian Army released new footage showing the destruction of Pakistani posts that had violated the ceasefire. The military hailed the operation as a strong message against cross-border terrorism.

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