Prem Shankar Jha Exclusive | Is PM Modi redefining nationalism in India?

In this episode of Capital Beat on The Federal, veteran journalist and author Prem Shankar Jha joins Neelu Vyas to decode the political aftermath of Operation Sindoor. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aggressive optics to Opposition missteps and the caste census twist, Jha shares sharp, unfiltered insights into how these narratives could shape India's political future.

Q: Why has PM Modi launched a national tour post-Operation Sindoor?

Prem Shankar Jha: Modi’s current performance is pure “natak”. He said he’d leave decisions to the armed forces. They acted, and now he wants to take credit. That’s absurd. This mirrors what happened in Manipur — he didn’t act when violence erupted, but tries to capitalise now because the armed forces pulled off something remarkable.

He's constantly on tour, not in the PMO. He builds his image relentlessly. When no opportunity arises, he turns to communal tactics. This tour is driven by insecurity. Had Congress not alienated Nitish Kumar, Modi might’ve lost the last election. Now, he’s back to milking optics.

Also read: Operation Sindoor: Tharoor praises Modi; Congress leader calls him BJP's 'super spokesperson'

Q: But politically, isn’t he capitalising on the military’s success?

Jha: He deserves credit for leaving decisions to professionals. The armed forces acted with remarkable skill, and I’m proud of them. But this post-event theatre is unnecessary. He doesn’t need to do this — he can command the nation from Delhi. This is insecurity masquerading as leadership.

Q: Does this wave of nationalism differ from 1971, Kargil, or Balakot?

Jha: Yes. This time, Modi’s avoiding regions like Poonch or Rajouri and choosing places like Gujarat or Bihar. The ceasefire was wise, but questions remain: why Trump mediated, why ceasefire timing wasn’t addressed, why the foreign minister informed Pakistan. These optics serve to distract from deeper issues.

Also read: India's stand on terrorism firm: Baijayant Panda in Saudi

Q: Has the Opposition failed in countering this narrative?

Jha: Absolutely. The opposition is a joke. They should praise the armed forces and leave Modi out of it. Congress is its own worst enemy. Look at how they sidelined Shashi Tharoor. He gave a brilliant press conference, yet they didn’t back him.

They waste energy arguing Modi didn’t choose Tharoor when they should be leveraging his credibility. The Congress leadership, especially the Gandhis, lacks administrative experience and political instinct.

Q: What about the ceasefire itself — should the Opposition question it?

Jha: They should have welcomed it. The armed forces showed restraint. Pakistan asked for it — doesn’t that show India held the upper hand? As for Trump, this isn’t new. He intervened post-Pulwama too. Back then, his administration ensured that both countries didn’t escalate. The same thing happened now.

Q: There was also the foreign minister informing Pakistan in advance. Thoughts?

Jha: These are smart strategies. The idea was to signal that India wasn’t targeting military infrastructure but terrorist camps. If it avoids escalation and maintains credibility, I welcome it.

Q: What do you make of the optics around Muslim army officer Colonel Sofiya Qureshi’s family?

Jha: That was pure theatre. Forcing her family to shower petals on Modi is disgraceful. It disrespects her service and patriotism. But it doesn’t matter to the common voter. Modi isn’t targeting the elite. His focus is on the masses. Among them, such stunts work.

Q: Is this a new kind of nationalism?

Jha: Yes, and it’s dangerous. This is not spontaneous patriotism — it’s choreographed nationalism. It’s about controlling the message, silencing dissent, and using armed forces as political props.

Q: What should the Opposition do now?

Jha: Praise the army, repeat (Shashi) Tharoor’s message. Don’t talk about Modi. But Congress pushes out its brightest minds. Remember the G-23? They raised five important issues, and instead of engaging, the party painted them as traitors. The leadership is politically illiterate.

Q: Modi announced the caste census too — why now?

Jha: That’s his way of retreating from the delimitation bomb. Southern states warned him: push delimitation, and we’ll break away. So he brought up the caste census to distract. Ironically, it was Congress’s idea first. But they don’t remind anyone. BJP hijacks the idea while Congress watches silently.

Q: Can this mix of caste and nationalism help BJP further?

Jha: Definitely. Modi is consolidating. He's silenced other BJP leaders and taken full control of the narrative. He’s also taming the RSS. Mohan Bhagwat doesn't approve of Modi’s approach, especially the communalism. But nationalism has pushed Bhagwat to the backfoot. Modi will stay till 2029.

Q: Will there be any pushback within the BJP?

Jha: No. The RSS's rule of retiring at 75? It’s dead. Modi will continue. Leaders like Nitish Kumar or Chandrababu Naidu won’t leave BJP’s side now. They’re on a winning horse, and Congress can’t stitch a viable alternative.

Q: What about democracy, civil liberties, and justice? Are they collapsing?

Jha: They’ve already collapsed. Our justice system is broken — millions of undertrials, decades-long delays, no accountability. Police are corrupt, justice is out of reach for the poor. The democracy you think exists? It's mostly a facade.

Q: Is the Hindu-Muslim card still part of the BJP's toolkit?

Jha: Less so now. Modi feels secure post-Sindoor. He won’t need that card as often. He’s built a strong nationalist narrative and consolidated power. But don’t expect the Congress or opposition to change course — they’re politically paralysed.

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