Congress leader Nana Patole has stirred a major political controversy by likening Operation Sindoor — India’s recent counter-terror military action in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir — to a “children’s video game.” His statement has drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party and triggered outrage across social media platforms.
Speaking to reporters, Patole suggested that the operation was not a real military campaign but a managed event staged under U.S. pressure. Referring to remarks allegedly made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, Patole claimed, “Trump said multiple times that he had threatened both nations with trade sanctions to stop the conflict. That means this was all a video game, like computer games children play.” The Congress leader further intensified his attack by questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the recent Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indian pilgrims were killed. “The sindoor of 26 of our sisters was wiped off in Pahalgam…yet terrorists remain free. Why hasn’t the PM spoken about them?” he asked, suggesting the government’s response lacked both clarity and sincerity.
The BJP reacted swiftly and strongly. Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule condemned Patole’s comments as an insult to the Indian armed forces and their sacrifices. In a detailed statement on social media, Bawankule said, “Calling Operation Sindoor a video game is a disgrace to the bravery of our armed forces. Congress’s hand is with Pakistan has once again been proven.” He further emphasized that Operation Sindoor was a decisive and bold step against cross-border terrorism, not a theatrical event. “Such comments are not just disrespectful, they hurt the families of the martyred. Nana Patole and his mindset will not be forgiven by the nation,” Bawankule added.
This isn’t the first time Congress leaders have come under fire for making statements perceived to undermine India’s armed forces. From raising doubts over the 2016 surgical strikes to questioning the Balakot airstrikes, the party has been repeatedly accused by the BJP of casting aspersions on national security initiatives. With Patole’s remarks, those accusations have resurfaced.
