In a rare break from Opposition ranks, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule sharply criticized Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s recent statement that referred to India’s military response against Pakistan as a “Chhutput Yudh” or “small war.”

Sule, a prominent political figure known for her firm stance on national security, stressed that “A war is a war -- whether big or small,” and insisted that combating terrorism cannot be downplayed or trivialized in any way. She said this in reaction to Kharge’s comment during a public rally where he sought to characterize the recent India-Pakistan conflict in relatively diminutive terms.

During her statement, Sule expressed pride in India’s armed forces and lauded the precision strikes known as Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the deadly terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam that claimed 26 innocent civilian lives. “I give Operation Sindoor not just 100 out of 100, but 1000 out of 100 marks. Our armed forces deserve the highest praise,” she said, emphasizing the operation’s success and the courage of Indian soldiers.

Operation Sindoor was a strong and strategic retaliation targeting terrorist bases deep inside Pakistan. Following India’s strikes, Pakistan attempted counterattacks between May 8 and 10, including drone and missile fire. However, India’s military mounted a fierce and calculated defense that inflicted significant damage on Pakistani military infrastructure. The hostilities ceased after a ceasefire was agreed upon following diplomatic talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of both countries.

Sule also reminded the public and political leaders that during an all-party meeting convened on the matter, there was a consensus to avoid politicizing the issue or engaging in blame games, highlighting the sensitive nature of national security matters.

Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) joined the chorus of criticism against Kharge’s remarks, calling them “irresponsible” and an “insult” to the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers. Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra urged Kharge to respect the armed forces and refrain from belittling their sacrifices.

Kharge’s original comments came during a mega public rally in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district, celebrating the Congress government’s two-year tenure in Karnataka. He had said that the conflict was a “small war” initiated by Pakistan, which he described as a weak country attempting to trouble India with support from China, and asserted India’s unity in the face of such threats.

The sharp backlash from leaders like Supriya Sule and the BJP illustrates the heightened sensitivity around national security rhetoric and the importance political figures place on showing unequivocal support for the armed forces during times of conflict.

As India continues to navigate the delicate post-Operation Sindoor phase, these political exchanges underscore the ongoing challenges of balancing diplomatic efforts, national security, and political discourse.

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