The BJP-led Delhi government on Tuesday led a rally down Kartavya Path to laud the armed forces for Operation Sindoor. The road leading to the National War Memorial was charged with emotion as participants rant the air with shouts of “Bharat Mata ki Jai.” Termed ‘Shaurya Samman Yatra’, the procession witnessed the rallyists calling for Pakistan’s “poorna sanhaar” or extirpation and walking to the National War Memorial.
The march was led by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who was seen carrying a Tricolour, accompanied by several of her Cabinet’s ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs and a large number of BJP workers. CM described Operation Sindoor as a symbol of India’s self-respect and sovereignty.
“The Shaurya Samman Yatra is Delhi Government’s humble tribute to these brave hearts. Thousands of people came on the roads carrying national flags. India’s 140 crore people are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country’s decisions and the armed forces,” the Chief Minister said. “Pakistan knows that if it will cast an evil eye on India, it will get a befitting reply. The country is with the armed forces. The country is united and together in this hour,” she added.
She said, “Our brave soldiers have sent a message across Pakistan with their courage at the border — that India will no longer remain silent in the face of terror. Prime Minister has also declared that now, any kind of firing or attack from Pakistan will be treated as an act of terrorism and met with a fitting reply.”
She also strongly condemned Pakistan’s policies that promote terrorism and reiterated, “If the masterminds of terrorism even dare to look at India, our armed forces and our government, under the leadership of Modi, will respond with full strength. India is now operating under a clear, decisive and powerful strategy to eliminate terrorism.” Besides the BJP workers, the rally was attended by schoolchildren, who turned up in uniform, NCC cadets and civil defence volunteers. A large number of lawyers, doctors, nursing staff, and representatives from hundreds of civil society organisations in Delhi participated in the rally.
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his handling of the armed conflict that lasted for days. “It is for the first time in world history that a leader took the decision to attack the airbase of an atomic nation. The excitement is palpable as one can see lakhs of national flags here,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said, “Those who once questioned the military’s capabilities and demanded evidence are today questioning the government’s decisions. They were anti-national then and they remain so now.” He added, “The country has not forgotten how Arvind Kejriwal, in 2016, demanded proof of surgical strikes on Pakistan, thereby boosting the morale of the Pakistani government. Today, senior leaders of his party are once again questioning the government’s acceptance of the ceasefire.”
BJP General Secretary Tarun Chugh stated, “India has changed. This new India desires peace but is ready to go to any extent for the total eradication of terrorism.” He said under PM Modi’s leadership, the country has made it clear that India will not tolerate any form of nuclear threat.
Radha, a volunteer associated with Aapda Mitra, said, “I think such kind of marches and events lend strength and foster unity among citizens and we all gathered here to show our support to our armed forces. We gave an appropriate reply to terrorism.” Ramesh Chaudhary, a BJP supporter, said, “You can never trust Pakistan, India will always be alert now.”
Ritu Goel from Rajouri Garden credited Modi with a successful helming of the armed conflict. “PM Modi has given an appropriate response. When we heard about the ceasefire, we felt he should not stop now. But when he came on TV at 8 last night and said the war is still ongoing, our trust in him deepened. We believe a stronger response is on its way.”
Promila, a disaster response volunteer from Shahdara, wasn’t as satisfied: “Our response was tit-for-tat, but I feel we fell short. None of the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack have been neutralised yet.” Jamia Millia Islamia also hosted Tiranga march on Tuesday to observe its ‘Pratham’ campaign in support of the nation first’.
Jamia Vice-Chancellor Professor Mazhar Asif said, “JMI salutes the Indian Armed Forces for their extraordinary courage and determination to defend our borders and safeguard national security. The Tiranga March is being conducted today to honour our valiant soldiers and to salute the resilience and tenacity exhibited by the Government of India since the start of Operation Sindoor. Above all, we have gathered here to pledge to place the nation above all else.”
Operation Sindoor, launched by India on the night of May 6-7, targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly killing over 100 terrorists. In retaliation, Pakistan launched attacks on Indian military bases between May 8 and 10, prompting India to respond with strikes on key installations in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian.
