‘What is wrong with these people?’: Modi hits back at Opposition for questioning timing of Op Mahadev

New Delhi: In a fiery exchange during Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sharply criticised the Opposition for questioning the timing of Operation Mahadev, which led to the elimination of three Pakistani terrorists linked to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Opposition had raised concerns about the operation’s timing, triggering a robust response from the Prime Minister.

PM Modi’s frustration with the Opposition

Modi expressed his frustration with the Opposition’s shifting narrative. He questioned the motives behind their criticism, saying, "Out of desperation, Congress even questioned the timing of Operation Mahadev that eliminated perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack on Monday."

Further, he asked, “What is wrong with these people? A disappointment to this extent? For weeks, there were questions like ‘What about the Pahalgam terrorists?’ But now, they’re questioning the timing of the operation.”

The PM went on to make a sarcastic remark targeting the Opposition. “Did the government look for an auspicious moment, like saawan ka somwar (a traditional belief in selecting auspicious dates) for Operation Sindoor?,” he asked.

This comment was a pointed attempt to ridicule the Opposition’s insinuations that the government had timed the operation for political gain.

Was the PM’s remark aimed at Akhilesh Yadav?

Earlier in the day, Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, had raised questions about the timing of the operation. He asked:

“Why am I not congratulating you on Operation Mahadev? All political parties had supported the government when the time was right. So why did the encounter happen yesterday?”

Yadav’s question reflected the Opposition’s ongoing concern that the operation's timing could have been politically motivated, rather than solely being a defensive action.

Modi’s sharp rebuttal highlights the deepening divide in Parliament on an issue of national importance, with the ruling party remaining resolute in defending the operation, while the Opposition continues to scrutinise its timing and political implications.