Operation Sindoor: The Reality Behind the Political Posturing
The Indian government's use of women officers to project a secular and professional image has been marred by communal and paternalistic remarks, highlighting the gap between optics and reality.
Operation SindoorWomen In MilitaryCommunal PoliticsOnline AbusePaternalismReal Estate NewsMay 18, 2025
But within a week, this carefully crafted projection began to unravel. Madhya Pradesh minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kunwar Vijay Shah made crass and communal remarks, referring to Qureshi without naming her. He said, “Jinhone hamare betiyon ke sindoor uchala… humne unhi ki behen ko hamare jahaj mein bhej kar aise ki taisi karvai.” The ones who wiped off the sindoor of our sisters, Modi ji sent their own sister in our plane to teach them a lesson.
Shah’s remarks drew outrage, criticism, and an FIR. His apology was revealing: “Sister Sofia has brought glory to India by rising above caste and religion,” he told The Indian Express. “She is more respected than our own sister.” This paternalistic response only highlighted the underlying issues.
The paternalism isn’t limited to Shah. In his speech on May 12, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Operation Sindoor, code-named after the vermillion mark that is a symbol of marriage for Hindu women, represents the emotions of Indians. “I dedicate Operation Sindoor to every mother, sister, and daughter,” he said. Now every terrorist knows the consequences of “removing the sindoor from the foreheads of our mothers and daughters,” he added.
In the ideological framework of the Hindu Right, only certain women are seen as worth protecting or celebrating: the behen who lost her sindoor and the behen who avenged it. Women who express opinions different from the establishment narrative are not valued. Online abuse against women is rampant, and this fortnight, the targets included the daughter of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Himanshi Narwal, the widow of Naval officer Vinay Narwal, who was killed in the Pahalgam attack.
War-mongers, disappointed at the announcement of a ceasefire, directed their ire at the foreign secretary by targeting his daughter Didon for writing an article in The Wire and providing legal assistance to Rohingya refugees in Myanmar. Himanshi Narwal, despite being a “sister who lost her sindoor,” was subjected to sexual trolling because she called for communal harmony and peace.
The Haryana Women’s Commission has summoned Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad for a Facebook post pointing out the irony of Hindutva commentators praising Qureshi while Indian Muslims face mob lynchings, demolitions, and persecution for their religious identity.
Two things are evident. First, the official silence on Misri and Narwal sends the message that the trolling and online abuse come with tacit approval. This covert sanction allows online mobs to police the narrative by viciously attacking detractors and critics. Second, it is clear that the ruling party invokes gender and women solely to further its narrative. Ideologically, Hindutva is intolerant of the religious pluralism that was displayed at the May 7 press conference. It was bound to come apart.
Thirty years ago, scholar Amrita Basu had coined the term “feminism inverted” based on her research on women’s political activism in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Basu contended that the BJP was accommodating of women and even tolerated a vocabulary of women’s empowerment as long as it served its “electorally driven communal strategy.” The events of the past two weeks have confirmed this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor is a military operation carried out by India against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It was code-named after the vermillion mark that is a symbol of marriage for Hindu women.
Who is Colonel Sofiya Qureshi?
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi is a Muslim military officer who was fielded by the Indian government to brief the press about the strikes carried out in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
What did Madhya Pradesh minister Kunwar Vijay Shah say about Colonel Qureshi?
Kunwar Vijay Shah made communal and crass remarks, referring to Colonel Qureshi without naming her, and suggesting that she was sent to teach terrorists a lesson.
What is the significance of the sindoor in Hindu culture?
The sindoor, a vermillion mark, is a symbol of marriage for Hindu women and holds significant cultural and religious importance.
How did the Indian government respond to the online abuse of women like Himanshi Narwal and Didon Misri?
The Indian government remained silent on the online abuse of women like Himanshi Narwal and Didon Misri, which sent a message of tacit approval to online mobs.
Related News Articles
Ceratec Group and Chaitanya Developers Unveil Tower 108 in Pune's Balewadi
Ceratec Group and Chaitanya Developers have launched Tower 108, a premium commercial project in the heart of Balewadi, Pune. This 108-meter tall building redefines the city's skyline and offers state-of-the-art facilities for modern businesses.
Rajiv Bajaj's Rishabh Family Trust Acquires Prime Land in Pune for Rs 72 Crore
In a significant real estate deal, Rishabh Family Trust, one of the prominent family trusts managed by Rajivnayan Bajaj, has purchased a land parcel in Pune's upscale Koregaon Park for a whopping Rs 72 crore.
Do I Need to Consider Real Estate? - JJ Watt Worrying as James Trafford's Heroics Threaten His NFL Return
Burnley's James Trafford is making a strong case for staying in the Premier League, and his performances have JJ Watt, the former NFL star turned footballer, reconsidering his real estate options.
Arkade Developers Secures Rs 1,700 Crore Cluster Redevelopment Project in Dahisar
Arkade Developers has bagged a significant cluster redevelopment project in Dahisar, Mumbai, with a gross development value of Rs 1,700 crore. The project spans 6.5 acres and is expected to offer 6.76 lakh square feet of saleable area.
Scrutiny on Foreign Companies Buying UK Property Intensifies
The use of foreign companies to purchase UK property is under increasing scrutiny due to concerns over tax loopholes and compliance issues. Regulators and tax authorities are tightening regulations to ensure transparency and fair play in the real estate m
Pune-Based Analysis Firm Falls Victim to Rs 2.34 Crore Whale Phishing Scam
A prominent analysis firm in Pune recently suffered a significant financial loss of Rs 2.34 crore due to a sophisticated whale phishing attack. The incident highlights the rising threat of targeted cyberattacks on businesses and the importance of robust c