Last Updated:
Despite being on the opposite side of the political spectrum from the BJP, these leaders have strengthened the government’s position and emerged as proponents of its narrative
Operation Sindoor has brought to the fore a few opposition leaders who rose above party politics to stand by the government’s efforts. File pic/PTI
Wars have a way of revealing who your friends are. The NDA government has received unexpected support from many opposition leaders.
While Operation Sindoor highlighted the bravery of officers, the DGMO and team who briefed the nation, and individuals like Sofiya Qureshi and Vyomika Singh, it also brought to the fore a few opposition leaders who rose above party politics to stand by the government’s efforts.
Asaduddin Owaisi
A staunch critic of the government, often accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party of being anti-Muslim, Owaisi has himself been labelled by his detractors as the BJP’s “B team”. However, during Operation Sindoor, Owaisi emerged as a strong, assertive Muslim voice condemning Pakistan, even going so far as to denounce its actions as being against the teachings of Islam.
Strongly defending Operation Sindoor, Owaisi asserted that all terror installations in Pakistan must be destroyed. The significance of Owaisi’s stance lies in his representation of the Muslim community, where he is widely regarded as a champion of its rights. Pakistan, in its attempts to justify its actions in Kashmir, frequently cites the alleged “plight of Muslims in India”. Owaisi’s rebuttal of this narrative is crucial, both domestically and internationally, in reinforcing the image of a united India where Hindus and minorities coexist peacefully. In essence, Owaisi acts as a counterpoint to the misinformation spread by Pakistan and its supporters.
Shashi Tharoor
Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Tharoor’s unwavering support for the government has been notable. Despite his own party colleague, Jairam Ramesh, stating that Tharoor’s views do not represent the Congress party’s stance, the MP and former diplomat has garnered praise for his firm backing of the government.
When Donald Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan, the Congress seized the opportunity to criticise the government for potentially compromising the Shimla Agreement and deviating from India’s foreign policy principles. However, Tharoor countered this by asserting that India would never allow third-party intervention. This served to undermine the Congress’s criticism while boosting the government’s morale and sending a clear message internationally. Furthermore, Tharoor’s social media presence and assertive stance amplify the government’s narrative.
Owaisi, Tharoor, and others like Manish Tewari, despite being on the opposite side of the political spectrum from the BJP, have strengthened the government’s position and emerged as proponents of its narrative.
- First Published:
