The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a scathing attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann following his controversial remarks involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Operation Sindoor. At a recent press briefing, Mann sarcastically referred to the campaign with a quip — “Is it a One Nation, One Husband scheme?” — sparking outrage within BJP ranks and igniting a fresh political row ahead of the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll.

Bhagwant Mann’s Controversial Statement

Addressing reporters, Bhagwant Mann questioned the symbolism of sindoor (vermilion) in the BJP’s Operation Sindoor campaign. His exact words were, “Everyone is talking about sindoor… If sindoor comes to your house, too, will you wear it? Will you say ‘wear it in Modi’s name’? Is it a ‘One Nation, One Husband’ scheme?”

The comments, clearly aimed at mocking BJP’s campaign, were interpreted by the party as insulting not only to Prime Minister Modi but also to the cultural and religious sentiments of Hindu women, for whom sindoor holds traditional significance.

BJP Responds: Calling It Vulgarity, Not Leadership

The Chandigarh unit of BJP responded quickly on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Bhagwant Mann just mocked Operation Sindoor, asking: ‘Will you wear sindoor in Modi’s name? Is this One Nation, One Husband?’ This isn’t satire. It’s vulgarity dressed as leadership.”

The party accused Mann of undermining the serious nature of Operation Sindoor, a military action undertaken in response to terrorism. They further stated, “Operation Sindoor was launched after Hindu women were targeted by terrorists, identified by their sindoor. It was about justice for the innocent, not a joke.”

Demand for Apology and Political Accountability

The BJP didn’t stop at public condemnation. It escalated the issue by:

• Demanding an official apology from Bhagwant Mann

• Calling for his resignation as Chief Minister

• Questioning AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on whether he supports such remarks

• Challenging Kejriwal’s silence, accusing him of prioritising political gains over ethics

The party’s statement on social media asked directly: “Does Arvind Kejriwal support mocking sindoor? Or will you stay silent just to protect your politics?”

Operation Sindoor: Background and Misconceptions

Launched in the early hours of May 7, 2024, Operation Sindoor was a military strike targeting terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This was in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which led to the deaths of 26 Indian civilians, including women.

The campaign name, Operation Sindoor, was reportedly chosen to reflect solidarity with Hindu women who were targeted in the attacks, often identified by their sindoor. It was framed as a message of protection and justice.

Recently, reports emerged claiming BJP would distribute sindoor door to door to promote the operation’s success. The party, however, firmly denied these claims, labelling them as false and misleading.

Political Context: Punjab Bypolls and Election Rhetoric

Bhagwant Mann’s controversial remark came just days ahead of the June 19 Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll, where Operation Sindoor has become a central narrative for BJP. The political temperature in Punjab is high, with both BJP and AAP vying for dominance in a traditionally Congress-AAP-dominated turf.

The remark appears to be part of AAP’s larger strategy to question BJP’s nationalism narrative, though it has now boomeranged, attracting widespread condemnation.

Cultural Sensitivities and Backlash

What made Mann’s comments particularly explosive was his reference to sindoor, which holds deep cultural and religious meaning in Indian society. BJP supporters and women's rights groups expressed disgust at the trivialisation of a symbol that signifies marital status and faith for millions of Hindu women.

By linking it sarcastically to a political campaign and mocking it as a government scheme, critics argue that Mann crossed a line between political satire and cultural insensitivity.

Opposition’s Defence: Freedom of Expression or Misjudgment?

While BJP went on the offensive, AAP leaders have not yet issued a formal response. However, insiders suggest that they may defend Mann’s statement as a commentary on BJP’s politicisation of cultural symbols, rather than a mockery of religious values.

But with no official apology or clarification from Mann or Kejriwal, the issue continues to spiral politically, feeding into the broader narrative of polarised national discourse.

Where This Leaves the Debate

This episode has once again brought into focus the increasingly blurred lines between political campaigns, cultural identity, and sensitive national security operations.

Key issues raised include:

• Can military operations be used for political capital?

• Should cultural symbols be leveraged in election campaigns?

• What is the role of political leaders in maintaining public decorum during high-stakes polls?

As the Ludhiana West bypoll nears, both BJP and AAP are expected to double down on their narratives. BJP will likely intensify attacks over what it calls “disrespect to the nation and women”, while AAP may try to pivot the discourse toward governance and ground-level issues in Punjab.

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