Rajesh Soni's controversial Facebook posts and subsequent arrest have opened a fresh can of worms about political branding in the name of military operations. In one of the posts, Soni commented that the publicity cost of showcasing Prime Minister Narendra Modi in fighter jet gear would exceed the operational cost of flying Rafales during Operation Sindoor. This, he said, detracted from the true heroes of the mission—the Indian soldiers.
This sentiment, however clumsily expressed, resonates with a sizable section of the population that feels military achievements should not be used as political trophies. By portraying Operation Sindoor as a Modi-led initiative rather than a complex and collaborative effort by the armed forces, critics argue the government is politicizing patriotism.
The visuals—PM Modi depicted in pilot attire, massive hoardings, and social media blitzkriegs—while emotionally stirring, do little to recognize the ground-level contributions of soldiers. Instead, they risk framing national security achievements as campaign material for the ruling party.
Soni’s arrest, seen in this light, may be a response not just to what he said, but to what his statements symbolized: a challenge to a carefully crafted narrative where political leadership eclipses operational bravery. His detention should prompt us to ask whether India's political discourse has become so fragile that it can no longer accommodate even the mildest form of introspection.
While there’s no denying the strategic importance and success of Operation Sindoor, credit must be equitably distributed. Soldiers deserve both the spotlight and the respect—not as political props but as the defenders of the nation.