PM Modi says 'Op Sindoor' not over yet; hit Pakistan three times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (May 29), addressed his first rally in West Bengal since the launch of 'Operation Sindoor', warning that India would continue to extract a heavy price on those who sponsor terrorism.

He drew an emotional connection between the operation and Bengal’s revered 'Sindoor Khela' tradition, stating, “Now that I am standing on the sacred land of 'Sindoor Khela', it is only right that we speak about a new resolve against terrorism — Operation Sindoor.”

Referring to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Prime Minister said the act of violence had deeply shaken the nation, especially West Bengal. “The terrorists dared to wipe off 'sindoor' from the foreheads of our sisters. But our brave soldiers made them realise the power of that sindoor,” he said.

Also Read: Op Sindoor befitting reply to those who unleashed terror in India: PM Modi

Warning to Pakistan

Modi reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, issuing a stern warning to Pakistan. “India has told the world — if there is a terrorist attack on our soil, the enemy will pay a heavy price. Pakistan should understand that we have entered your house and struck three times.”

While the Prime Minister did not spell out the details of the three instances, his remarks are being widely interpreted as a reference to the 2016 Uri surgical strikes, 2019 Balakot airstrikes, and the recent cross-border strikes under 'Operation Sindoor'.

Highlighting India's proactive approach, Modi said, “We destroyed cross-border terror infrastructure, which Pakistan never imagined. We’ve hit them thrice inside their homes.”

Also Read: PM Modi slams Pakistan, advocates 'Make in India' at Gujarat rally

India's strong resolve

Accusing Islamabad of institutionalising terror, the PM said, “Terrorism and mass murder are the biggest expertise of the Pakistani army. Whenever there is an open war, they face defeat.”

He invoked the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, recalling the atrocities committed by the Pakistani army in East Pakistan.

Highlighting Pakistan's legacy of terrorism, Modi said, "Ever since it came into existence, Pakistan has only nurtured terror. It has carried out terrorist attacks on India ever since Partition in 1947"

Emphasising that India would relentlessly pursue terrorists across the border, Modi noted, “Pakistan, a terror-breeding state, offers nothing positive to the world. But India has changed. We don’t tolerate such cowardice anymore. Operation Sindoor is our firm answer.”

Also Read: PM Modi warns party leaders against making controversial remarks on Operation Sindoor

Modi slams TMC

Launching a blistering attack on the TMC government, the Prime Minister accused the Mamata government of fostering violence, corruption, and lawlessness. He asserted that people are now yearning for change from the "Nirmam sarkar" (cruel government).

Addressing a rally in Alipurduar, Modi said incidents of communal violence in Murshidabad and Malda are grim reminders of the TMC regime's "cruelty and indifference" to the sufferings of ordinary citizens.

"West Bengal is grappling with a series of crises. People of Bengal want change and good governance. They don't want cruelty and corruption anymore," Modi said.

Also Read: If Centre and states work together, no goal is impossible: PM Modi

Bengal under crisis

He highlighted five crises in Bengal: widespread violence and lawlessness, insecurity among women, youth despair due to unemployment, deep-rooted corruption, and self-serving politics that rob the poor of their rights.

He took a dig at the state government over the West Bengal teacher recruitment scam, saying it had ruined not only the careers of thousands of teachers but the entire education system.

The PM also criticised the TMC's absence from the recent NITI Aayog meeting, accusing the party of prioritising politics over development.