Political Tensions Rise in Delhi Assembly

The opening day of the Delhi Assembly’s Monsoon Session was marked by intense political exchanges. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched a strong critique against the Opposition, accusing them of historical negligence concerning national security. Her remarks were particularly aimed at the Opposition’s stance on recent military operations, notably Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev.

Operation Sindoor: A Point of Contention

During a heated debate, Ms. Gupta defended the naming of Operation Sindoor, which had been questioned by Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan. Ms. Bachchan had raised concerns about the operation’s name, given its association with the Pahalgam attack that left many women widowed. In response, Ms. Gupta used a famous Bollywood dialogue to underscore her point: “Ek chutki Sindoor ki kimat tum kya jano?” (You don’t know the value of a pinch of vermilion). She emphasized that the operation was not just a military action but a tribute to martyrs.

Historical Accountability and National Security

Chief Minister Gupta further challenged the Opposition by questioning their historical decisions during significant national security events. She cited instances such as Pakistan’s occupation of Kashmir, the Partition, and wars with China and Pakistan. She criticized past governments for halting the 1965 war and signing the Shimla Agreement after capturing 93,000 Pakistani soldiers in 1971. Additionally, she questioned their accountability for events like the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and stone-pelting incidents in Kashmir.

Assembly Disruption Over Operation Sindoor

The session saw further disruption when AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Operation Sindoor. Speaker Vijender Gupta intervened, objecting to Mr. Jha’s language and ordered his remarks expunged from records. Despite warnings, Mr. Jha refused to retract his statements, leading to his removal from the House.

Leadership and Legacy Debates

In her concluding remarks, Chief Minister Gupta defended her government’s national security record while countering opposition criticism. She highlighted past achievements like the surgical strikes in 2016 and the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. Ms. Gupta praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, stating he stands as a symbol of resilience and light for India. The session ended with a deeply divided Assembly, reflecting ongoing debates over historical legacies and current military operations.