Shah Makes Bold Claim: Balasaheb Thackeray Would Have Supported Operation Sindoor

Union Home Minister Amit Shah made a dramatic statement on Monday, asserting that the late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray would have embraced Prime Minister Narendra Modi in support of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military strike across the border.

Addressing a rally in Nanded, Maharashtra, Shah hailed Operation Sindoor as a resounding message to Pakistan and the world, declaring that no one can threaten India’s armed forces, its people, or its borders. He emphasized that the operation demonstrated India’s unwavering resolve to retaliate against any aggression.

Operation Sindoor: A Swift and Decisive Response

Shah described the operation in detail, highlighting its swiftness and precision. He stated that nine terror camps were destroyed within 22 minutes on May 7th, while India’s air defense system effectively neutralized Pakistani missiles and drones. He also claimed that Pakistan’s air defense system was crippled by Indian forces on May 9th.

Modi’s Strong Stance on National Security

Shah reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s pledge to respond decisively to any threat to India’s security. He invoked Modi’s statement that any harm to Indian civilians, especially women’s ‘sindoor’ (a traditional red powder applied to the partings of women’s hair), would be met with a ‘bloodier’ response. Shah argued that Operation Sindoor underscored Modi’s commitment to protecting India’s borders.

Targeting Maoism and Other Threats

Beyond the recent conflict with Pakistan, Shah also emphasized the government’s efforts to combat internal security threats. He highlighted the success of Operation Black Forest, a joint operation by the CRPF, Chhattisgarh police, and BSF to neutralize Naxalites in Chhattisgarh. He claimed that several Naxalites were killed, arrested, or surrendered during this operation.

India’s Diplomatic Stance

Shah mentioned the government’s decision to end the Indus Water Treaty and all trade with Pakistan, asserting that Prime Minister Modi’s stance was clear: “trade and terror cannot go together.”

Political Repercussions

The Home Minister also used the rally to criticize the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), accusing them of mocking all-party delegations sent to express solidarity with the families of the victims of the Pahalgham attack. Shah claimed that Balasaheb Thackeray would have lauded Modi’s actions, contrasting it with the current Shiv Sena leadership’s criticism.

Shah also criticized Sharad Pawar for not pursuing the demand for classical language status for Marathi, a status that he claimed was granted by Prime Minister Modi.