New Delhi— Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has come under intense criticism from across the political spectrum, especially the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), following his controversial remarks dismissing ‘Operation Sindoor’—the Indian Armed Forces’ recent anti-terror operation inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)—as a “failure.”
Raut, a senior leader in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and a close aide to the former Maharashtra Chief Minister, stirred a political firestorm after declaring:
“As I have said before, Operation Sindoor was a failure. But in the interest of the nation, the Opposition has chosen to remain silent.”
The comment, made during a press interaction on Tuesday, was swiftly condemned by the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena, who accused Raut of undermining the morale of the armed forces and playing into the hands of India’s adversaries.
BJP Slams Remarks as “Disgraceful” and “Anti-National”
BJP national spokesperson Tuhin A. Sinha lashed out at Raut, calling his statement “disgraceful” and “shameful.”
“Once again, through their negative approach, the Uddhav faction has proven this is no longer Balasaheb Thackeray’s party. While Sanjay Raut questions ‘Operation Sindoor,’ his colleague Priyanka Chaturvedi is representing India abroad, elevating our nation’s standing. The contrast is telling.”
Pradeep Bhandari, political analyst and commentator, took to X (formerly Twitter) to say:
“Shame on Sanjay Raut for casting doubt on the bravery of our armed forces! Calling ‘Operation Sindoor’ a failed mission echoes enemy propaganda. The Congress-led Opposition, through such statements, appears aligned with Pakistan in demoralizing our soldiers.”
Condemnation Across Political Lines
Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Ramdas Kadam called Raut’s comments an “insult to the country,” asserting:
“There can be no bigger disgrace. Our armed forces struck deep into enemy territory and neutralized terrorist camps. Ridiculing such an operation is a betrayal of national interest.”
Even within Shiv Sena circles, dissenting voices emerged. Former MP Sanjay Nirupam criticized Raut sharply:
“While the entire country is lauding the military’s success, Raut is undermining their courage. Such remarks reflect a deeply depraved and irresponsible mindset. He seems to have lost touch with political and moral reality.”
Operation Sindoor: A National Milestone
Raut’s statement comes just a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at a rally in Maharashtra, said that had Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray been alive, he would have “embraced Prime Minister Narendra Modi” for the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor.
The military action, conducted between May 7 and May 10, was a strategic operation by Indian forces targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. It has since been hailed by security experts and defence analysts as a decisive strike against cross-border terrorism.
As national support for the armed forces continues to surge, Raut’s comments stand isolated—drawing sharp rebuke even from allies, and reinforcing the sensitivity and political consensus around matters of national security. (Source: IANS)
