Key points
- Questions going for a ceasefire, “if Pakistan was indeed on its knees”
- Says public never told we were afraid of Pakistan’s nuclear power
ISLAMABAD: Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor has strongly criticised the Centre’s decision to halt military operations against Pakistan and going for a ceasefire just four days into Operation Sindoor, which India allegedly launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam incident.
In an interview with an Indian News Agency, the ANI, he questioned why India chose to “compromise” if Pakistan was indeed “on its knees.” Kishor also warned that the decision to agree to a ceasefire could adversely affect the BJP’s prospects in the upcoming Bihar elections later this year, according to the Financial Express.
He referred to statements made by both External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting that if Pakistan had requested the ceasefire, indicating it was under considerable pressure, India should have capitalised on that advantage.
BJP’s lack of “strong leadership”
“Our Foreign Minister said, regarding Operation Sindoor, that the ceasefire occurred at Pakistan’s request. I agree with Jaishankar. If there was a ceasefire, it means Pakistan was under duress. So, if the operation was successful and Pakistan was brought to its knees, why agree to a ceasefire? It should have continued for another day or two. The people of the country are asking the same question. Why was the ceasefire called so abruptly? People across the nation supported the operation,” Kishor said in the interview.
However, Kishor questioned the timing of the ceasefire, reiterating that it came prematurely. He argued that the military operation could have been extended by another day or two. He added that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had demonstrated strong leadership during 1971, which ultimately resulted in Bangladesh’s creation.
India’s fear of Pakistan
“Pakistan did not become a nuclear state recently; it existed long before Operation Sindoor. The government should have informed us upfront that the operation would start but be limited due to concerns about nuclear capabilities. The public was never told that we were afraid of nuclear power,” he told ANI.
