During a Lok Sabha discussion on Operation Sindoor, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav humorously criticized the government. The former CM of UP and Kannauj MP pointed out, ‘How many blessed aircraft actually flew during this conflict?’
Yadav criticized Operation Sindoor as a significant failure of the government. He remarked that discussing it reflects this failure. He emphasized the irony of celebrating the Amrit Kaal of Independence while foreign powers claim they halted the war.
Akhilesh noted,
"We oppose war and desire peace at the borders without encroachments. Although it is claimed that the Air Force attacked terrorist infrastructures, people question our best aircraft, ceremoniously blessed with lime and chili, and how many took flight. We take immense pride in our Air Force, possessing unparalleled pilots."
Earlier, he queried why he hadn't congratulated Operation Mahadev and the odd timing of the encounter. He asked why technology savvy forces failed to identify the vehicle carrying RDX in Pulwama.
Yadav mentioned that no political party made statements during the all-party delegation, yet attempts were made to politically capitalize involving Congress and SP. He advocated for letting political parties nominate their own representatives in delegations.
Highlighting UP government successes, Yadav stated, “We Samajwadis built roads capable of emergency aircraft landings. SP facilitated the landing of Sukhoi, Mirage, and Hercules on roads for the first time in the nation’s history.”
His further comments caused controversy when he began, "Your country's Prime Minister..." prompting protests from across the aisle. Yadav countered, "He is also our Prime Minister," and cited, “These are Prime Minister's words: I’m trying to convince the world while my home is upset with me,” reflecting confusion over the roles played between PM and Defense Minister during this period.
Yadav questioned why, despite UP building roads capable of fighter plane landings, similar infrastructure isn’t being developed nationwide. He also inquired which pressures prompted the ceasefire when forces could have captured PoK.
