Leaders Across Parties Reaffirm Support for Armed Forces, Rajnath Singh Confirms 100 Terrorists Neutralized. Prime Minister Modi’s absence from two consecutive all-party meetings raises questions about his approach to leadership in times of crisis.
By Our Political Bureau
New Delhi, May 08, 2025: An all-party meeting held today at 11:00 AM in the Parliament Library Building, New Delhi, concluded with unanimous support for the Indian government and armed forces following the successful execution of Operation Sindoor. The operation, launched on May 7, targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. This marked a significant moment of national unity as leaders set aside political differences to stand with the armed forces. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the meeting saw key opposition leaders and Union Ministers come together to discuss the operation’s achievements and future steps. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was absent from the meeting, raising questions about his engagement in such critical discussions.
Rajnath Singh Reveals Key Success: 100 Terrorists Neutralized
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who chaired the meeting, shared that Operation Sindoor resulted in the elimination of at least 100 terrorists. He emphasized that the operation was a precise and measured response to cross-border terrorism, ensuring no civilian casualties or damage to Pakistani military infrastructure. Singh also noted that the operation is “still ongoing,” with technical details withheld due to its sensitive nature. The government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism resonated with all leaders present.
PM Modi’s Absence Sparks Debate
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not present at the all-party meeting, a pattern that has drawn scrutiny as he also skipped the previous all-party meeting on March 24, 2025, following heightened tensions in the region. While no official reason was provided for his absence, sources suggest that Modi may have been engaged in strategic discussions with top security officials, given his reported involvement in monitoring Operation Sindoor through the night of May 7. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the Prime Minister’s absence, stating, “PM Modi thinks he is above the Parliament, but we will see when the time comes.” Kharge’s remarks reflect growing frustration among opposition leaders over Modi’s repeated absence from such meetings, which are traditionally chaired by the Prime Minister to signal unified leadership during national crises.
Analysis: Modi’s Responsibility or Irresponsibility?
Prime Minister Modi’s absence from two consecutive all-party meetings raises questions about his approach to leadership in times of crisis. On one hand, Modi’s hands-on involvement in overseeing Operation Sindoor—evidenced by his late-night coordination with security officials and briefing President Droupadi Murmu—demonstrates a sense of responsibility toward national security. His absence could be interpreted as a strategic choice to focus on operational oversight rather than symbolic appearances, especially since the operation is ongoing and requires high-level decision-making.
Modi’s absence risks alienating opposition parties
On the other hand, his repeated absence from all-party meetings signals a potential irresponsibility toward fostering political unity and transparency. All-party meetings are a critical platform for the government to brief opposition leaders, address their concerns, and project a united front to the nation and the world. Modi’s absence risks alienating opposition parties at a time when national cohesion is paramount, especially given the escalating tensions with Pakistan. It also fuels perceptions of centralizing authority, as his decision to delegate the chairmanship to Rajnath Singh—while practical—may be seen as a reluctance to engage directly with opposition leaders. This pattern could undermine the democratic spirit of consensus-building, particularly in a crisis that demands collective resolve. Balancing operational duties with political engagement remains a challenge for Modi, and his absence may leave a lasting impression on how his leadership is perceived during such pivotal moments.
Kiren Rijiju Urges National Unity, Warns Against Misinformation
Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju emphasized the importance of a united front, stating, “Political parties are the voice of the people, and the leaders speaking in one voice is one of our successes.” He urged the public to avoid falling for misinformation and propaganda, particularly in light of Pakistan’s reported disinformation campaign following the strikes. Rijiju also confirmed that officials were not called to the meeting to avoid disclosing details of the ongoing operation, a decision aimed at maintaining operational secrecy.
Opposition Leaders Extend Full Support
Leaders from various parties expressed solidarity with the government and armed forces. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra, representing party president Naveen Patnaik, said, “The BJD reiterates its firm, steadfast, and resolute support to our armed forces in taking whatever steps deemed necessary to safeguard the sovereignty of our nation and protect the lives of our citizens from terrorism.” Similarly, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh highlighted the operation’s success, noting that images revealed the presence of Pakistani army officials and U.S.-banned terrorists in the camps, exposing Pakistan’s support for terrorism.
AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi Proposes Global Action
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi commended the armed forces and suggested global measures to counter terrorism. He proposed that The Resistance Front (TRF), which claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack, be declared a terrorist group by the United Nations Security Council. Owaisi also called for Pakistan to be grey-listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Additionally, he urged the government to declare victims of the Poonch incident—where 12 civilians were killed due to Pakistani shelling—as terrorist victims, providing them compensation and housing for their losses.
Poonch Incident and Ongoing Tensions
The meeting also addressed the recent escalation along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly the Poonch incident, where Pakistani shelling killed 12 civilians and one soldier. Sanjay Singh noted that the government reassured leaders that every development is being closely monitored to ensure an effective response. The ongoing nature of Operation Sindoor was a key focus, with the government emphasizing its commitment to dismantling terrorist infrastructure while managing the fallout of Pakistan’s retaliatory actions.
A Unified Stance: No Room for Politics in Crisis
The all-party meeting concluded with a clear message: “There should be no politics in this situation.” Leaders unanimously backed the government’s actions under Operation Sindoor, reaffirming their support for the Indian armed forces in their fight against terrorism. The meeting, attended by key figures like Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, highlighted a rare moment of political unity amid heightened tensions with Pakistan.