Why is India Eager to Resume Cricket with Pakistan Amid Ongoing Operation Sindoor?
Political Tensions Rise Over Cricketing Relations
Mumbai: In a recent address to Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated that Operation Sindoor is "ongoing," prompting Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi to question the government's eagerness to rekindle cricketing ties with Pakistan, labeling it a significant contradiction.
During a lengthy speech in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi stated, "Let me reaffirm in this temple of democracy: Operation Sindoor is still active."
This declaration has ignited a renewed political discourse regarding India's diplomatic and sporting stance towards Pakistan.
In an interview, Priyanka Chaturvedi scrutinized the government's messaging, stating, "The Prime Minister provided an extensive response in the Lok Sabha, yet it appears he may not address the Rajya Sabha. MPs in the Rajya Sabha, like many citizens, anticipated clarifications on various issues. One glaring inconsistency is this: if Operation Sindoor is indeed ongoing, why are we so eager to engage in cricket with Pakistan?"
Chaturvedi highlighted what she perceives as a "disconnect between policy and action," questioning, "If the operation is truly active, why are the BCCI and broadcasters moving forward with plans that normalize relations with Pakistan?"
She emphasized that if the threat from Pakistan is genuine, the government should provide the public with greater transparency.
"Are we not obligated to inform the public about the measures being taken under Operation Sindoor? Why were our intelligence agencies caught unprepared, and what corrective actions have been implemented since? The Prime Minister's response raised more questions than it resolved," she remarked.
Chaturvedi also criticized the government's handling of international perceptions. Referring to the sports minister's concerns about potential damage to India's global image if cricketing ties are severed, she remarked, "If you're so worried about upsetting sports organizations, why not play in Lahore instead of just Dubai? Is that the rationale now? This double standard will not be tolerated by the public."
In a pointed critique of PM Modi's assertion that "no world leader" had urged India to halt Operation Sindoor, Chaturvedi referenced comments made by former US President Donald Trump.
"The Prime Minister claims no world leader made such a request, yet Trump has mentioned this on two occasions. If this is inaccurate, the US must clarify its stance. Otherwise, we are left questioning whether PM Modi is distorting facts to appease a domestic audience," she added.
PM Modi, on Tuesday, asserted that no global leader had requested India to cease Operation Sindoor. His comments came amid opposition allegations that India had agreed to a ceasefire with Pakistan under US pressure. He stated that it was Pakistan that urged India to halt Operation Sindoor, claiming they could not endure further suffering.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that during discussions with the US Vice President, New Delhi made it clear that if Pakistan were to attack, India would respond with a more significant counterattack.