Nana Patole Sparks Row By Comparing Operation Sindoor To ‘Video Game’ While Slamming Centre

Nana Patole, former president of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, on Thursday stirred controversy with his comments on Operation Sindoor, likening the military action to a ‘video game on a computer’, while targeting the BJP-led Central government.

Patole stated, “The statement of the External Affairs Minister made it clear which places in Pakistan we were going to target. Then they removed their people from those places. This means that it was like a game that children play on computers. India had told Pakistan in advance which places they were going to attack.”

BJP hits back, accuses Congress of insulting armed forces

His remarks drew an immediate and strong reaction from State BJP chief and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who accused Patole of insulting the armed forces and aligning with anti-national interests.

“Congress leader Nana Patole, by making an offensive statement that Operation Sindoor is a computer game, has once again proved that Congress’ hand is with Pakistan. Insulting this operation, which instils fear in the hearts of India’s enemies, is not just an insult to our brave soldiers and their valour but to the entire nation of India. Does this insensitive person, Nana Patole’s even realise how much pain his absurd statement will cause to the families of our martyrs?” Bawankule asserted.

Bawankule, hitting back strongly at Patole’s remark, added, “Operation Sindoor is not a computer game; it is a courageous and valiant action carried out against the hideouts of Pakistan’s terrorists. It is a blazing saga of bravery that strikes fear into the hearts of traitors! Does Congress think that the courage of our country’s soldiers, the actions taken against terrorism, and the struggle to protect Mother India are all just a game? Your leader, Rahul Gandhi, also insults India abroad. Congress has already shown its despicable mentality by demanding proof of the surgical strike.”

Bawankule concluded by asserting that the public would not forget such remarks.

“But today, the nation is awake. The country is watching who stands with our brave soldiers and who stands with Pakistan! Nana, India will never forgive your anti-national mentality. Your heart and mind have become corrupt. I strongly condemn your disgusting mindset,” he noted.

Nana Patole alleges US pressure ended operation

Meanwhile, Patole had also claimed that Operation Sindoor was halted due to external pressure from the United States.

According to the Congress leader, US President Donald Trump had intervened with repeated threats to both India and Pakistan, insisting on a ceasefire.

“The US had threatened to stop trade if they did not agree to a ceasefire. India stopped Operation Sindoor after that,” Patole said.

He also used the occasion to question the BJP government’s handling of internal security, particularly in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.

“Where are the terrorists in the Pahalgam attack hiding? How are they still absconding? Why have they not been found yet? Why have the links of terrorists not yet been found?” Patole asked, directing sharp criticism at the administration.

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