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‘Op Mahadev Auspicious time needed to kill terrorists?’ PM slams Opposition for questioning Op Mahadev timing
In a charged debate on Operation Sindoor in Parliament on July 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took aim at the Opposition’s remarks questioning the timing of Operation Mahadev, the operation that neutralized three terrorists behind the April 22 Pahalgam massacre. The PM’s fiery response—”Do we need an auspicious time to kill terrorists?”—has ignited fierce public and political discourse.
The Operation: Justice Delivered
Operation Mahadev was conducted to eliminate the three Lashkar‑e‑Taiba operatives—Suleman Shah, Afghan, and Jibran—responsible for the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives in April. The joint effort by the Indian Army, CRPF, and J&K Police took place in Srinagar’s outskirts, with Home Minister Amit Shah confirming the terrorists’ identities were verified by those who sheltered them. The operation was framed as decisive, timely retaliation for a brutal attack on civilians. IndiatimesWikipedia+1
Opposition Speaks: Political Motives Suspected
Leaders such as Akhilesh Yadav questioned the operation’s timing, suggesting it conveniently coincided with Parliament’s debate on the incident, implying possible political theater. He challenged the security narrative, lamenting India’s failure to track a suspected RDX-laden vehicle during the Pulwama attack. India Today
Similar skepticism was voiced by Congress and other Opposition voices, who raised demands for proof of the terrorists’ Pakistani origin—an angle the BJP criticized as aligning with Islamabad’s narrative. The Economic TimesIANS News
PM Modi’s Sarcasm Cuts Deep
Modi’s retort was sharp and unforgettable: “What is wrong with these people? Do we need to wait for Saawan ka Somwar to kill terrorists?” He ridiculed the shifting stance of the Opposition—first condemning the delay in action, and then criticizing its timing. @mathrubhumiABP LiveIANS News
He further accused the Congress of giving a “clean chit” to Pakistan by doubting the terrorists’ nationality, a claim he deemed dangerously close to echoing Pakistani propaganda. ABP LiveIANS News
Broader Implications: National Security vs. Political Play
This clash has underscored a fraught intersection of national security and political maneuvering. Defense of the operation is being used by the government to reinforce its image as a firm protector of India’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, the Opposition’s probing has been cast by the government side as opportunistic and harmful to morale. The Times of India+1The Economic Times
In Varanasi, PM Modi invoked divine symbolism—dedicating the success of Operation Sindoor to Lord Mahadev, embodying both benevolence and fury—signaling the state’s readiness to counter threats decisively. He further accused the Opposition of trivializing the operation and disrespecting national sentiment. The Times of IndiaThePrint
Why Timing Became Contentious
Strategic vs. Symbolic: Critics say the timing was opportune rather than strategic—coinciding with parliamentary scrutiny to gain political advantage.
Security vs. Spectacle: Supporters argue that once intelligence aligns, action shouldn’t be delayed—even if political optics are involved.
Narratives Collide: For the government, delays invite criticism; for the Opposition, timing might cloud judgments on motive and accountability.
Conclusion: A Battle Beyond the Battlefield
At its core, the controversy surrounding Operation Mahadev’s timing represents more than a counter-terror mission—it’s become a symbolic battlefield where political narratives and national interests converge.
Modi’s withering sarcasm—“auspicious time to kill terrorists”—was less a rhetorical flourish and more a fierce rebuke of what he views as misplaced political opportunism. Whether this will galvanize public support or fuel skepticism remains to be seen, but one fact is clear: in the eyes of the government, justice was served—and that’s all that mattered.
Let me know if you’d like more insights into the parliamentary debate, intelligence buildup behind the operation, or how this is being perceived across different media ecosystems.