Strong Message on Operation Sindoor: PM Modi Bikaner (Raj.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bikaner, Rajasthan, on May 22, 2025, marked his first public appearance in the state following Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military operation launched in response to the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. Here are the key highlights of his visit based on available information:

1. Strong Message on Operation Sindoor:

• Addressing a rally in Deshnoke, Bikaner, PM Modi emphasized India’s decisive response to the Pahalgam attack, stating that the Indian Armed Forces destroyed nine major terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir within 22 minutes on May 7, 2025. He described this as a new form of justice, not revenge, saying, “This is not a game of show and revenge; this is the fierce and resolute face of a strong and capable India.”
• Modi highlighted the emotional impact of the attack, noting that terrorists targeted Hindu women by removing their sindoor (vermilion) after identifying their religion, an act that “pierced the hearts of 140 crore Indians.” He added, “Those who set out to wipe off the sindoor have been reduced to dust.”
• He asserted that Pakistan’s Rahim Yar Khan airbase was left “in the ICU” due to India’s precision airstrikes, while Pakistan’s attempt to target Bikaner’s Nal Airbase caused no damage.

1. 2. Three Principles Against Terrorism:

• Modi outlined three clear policies for combating terrorism: (1) India will respond decisively to any terror attack, with the armed forces choosing the time and method; (2) India will not be intimidated by nuclear threats; and (3) no distinction will be made between terrorists and their state sponsors.

1. 3. Condemnation of Pakistan:

• Modi criticized Pakistan’s reliance on terrorism as a weapon, stating it could never win a direct war against India and has resorted to creating fear since Independence. He declared, “Pakistan forgot one thing, now the servant of Mother India, Modi, is standing here with pride. Modi’s mind is cold, but his blood is hot. In Modi’s veins, not blood, but hot sindoor flows.”
• He vowed no trade or talks with Pakistan except regarding Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and warned that Pakistan’s army and economy would pay a heavy price for any future attacks.

1. 4. Development Initiatives:

• Modi inaugurated 103 redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, including Deshnoke Station near the Karni Mata Temple, at a cost exceeding ₹1,100 crore. He also flagged off the Bikaner-Mumbai Express and laid the foundation stone for rail and public welfare projects worth ₹26,000 crore in Rajasthan.
• He highlighted a sixfold increase in infrastructure spending, citing projects like the Chenab Bridge, Atal Setu, and Vande Bharat trains as symbols of a modernizing India.

1. 5. Visit to Karni Mata Temple and Nal Airbase:

• Before the rally, Modi visited the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke to offer prayers, stating that the blessings strengthened his resolve for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
• He was scheduled to visit the Nal Air Force Station to interact with armed forces personnel, boosting their morale after the station successfully thwarted Pakistani attacks during Operation Sindoor.

1. 6. Rajasthan’s Significance:

• Modi noted the symbolic connection with Rajasthan, recalling that his first rally after the 2019 Balakot airstrikes was also in the state (Churu). He reiterated his 2019 pledge: “Saugandh mujhe iss mitti ki, main desh nahi mitne dunga, main desh nahi jhukne dunga” (I swear on this soil, I will not let the nation perish or bow down).
• He praised Rajasthan as Veerbhoomi (land of the brave), emphasizing its role in teaching that nothing is greater than the nation.

1. 7. Congress Criticism:

• Congress leader Jairam Ramesh questioned Modi’s silence on issues like the absence of an all-party meeting post-Pahalgam attack and alleged U.S. mediation in the ceasefire during Operation Sindoor. He criticized Modi’s “filmi dialogues” and urged him to address serious questions.

The visit combined a strong national security narrative with developmental announcements, reinforcing Modi’s commitment to both security and progress while sending a stern message to Pakistan.