Anti-India in Spirit’: BJP Blasts Bhagwant Mann Over ‘One Nation, One Husband’ Remark on Operation Sindoor
Introduction
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has stirred a major political controversy with his recent remark mocking Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces’ swift response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Referring sarcastically to a “One Nation, One Husband” concept, Mann’s statement has triggered strong backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which called the comment “anti-India in spirit.”
The Controversial Comment
During a public speech, Bhagwant Mann made a jibe at the BJP’s symbolic messaging around Operation Sindoor, asking, “Will you now apply sindoor in Modi’s name? Is this some One Nation, One Husband scheme?” The statement, intended as political sarcasm, was seen by the BJP as deeply offensive, especially in the context of a military operation named in memory of Hindu women targeted by terrorists.
BJP’s Fierce Reaction
The BJP wasted no time in condemning Mann’s remark. Party spokespersons called the comment an insult to Indian soldiers, Veer Naris (war widows), and the memory of terror victims. Punjab BJP leader Pritpal Singh Baliawal accused Mann of mocking an operation launched to avenge the death of civilians, including women identified and targeted for wearing sindoor.
National BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also slammed Mann on social media, stating, “If this isn’t anti-India in spirit, what is?” The BJP demanded an immediate apology from the Punjab Chief Minister and asked AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal to clarify his party’s stance.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was launched by Indian defense forces in May 2025, following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were killed. The operation targeted terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and within Pakistan, eliminating over 100 militants linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The operation was named to honor the Hindu women who were identified by their sindoor and brutally attacked by terrorists. The symbolic use of “sindoor” has since become a powerful message of resistance and remembrance in national security discourse.
Political Fallout and Election Angle
The timing of Mann’s controversial statement has added fuel to the political fire ahead of the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll scheduled for June 19. The BJP is using the remark to question AAP’s alignment with national sentiment and security priorities.
Political analysts suggest the fallout from this remark may influence voter sentiment, especially in Punjab, where national pride and respect for armed forces run deep.
Conclusion
Bhagwant Mann’s “One Nation, One Husband” comment has not only triggered political outrage but has also raised questions about the tone and responsibility expected from elected leaders. With Operation Sindoor symbolizing a resolute stand against terror, remarks seen as mocking such efforts are bound to provoke strong national reactions. The controversy may shape the political narrative in the days leading up to key elections.