Nana Patole Sparks Row With ‘Video Game’ Remark On Operation Sindoor; Faces Backlash Across Political Spectrum

Nana Patole triggered a political storm on Thursday after likening Operation Sindoor to a children’s video game, drawing sharp criticism not only from the BJP but also from leaders across party lines.

Patole, who formerly led the Maharashtra Congress, appeared to deviate from the party’s stance as he ridiculed the military strike carried out by Indian forces on 6–7 May, aimed at terror camps in Pakistan.

His remarks have raised serious concerns over the perceived undermining of the armed forces’ professionalism and commitment.

Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule strongly condemned Nana Patole’s controversial statement on Operation Sindoor. He accused Congress leaders of repeatedly disrespecting the Armed Forces.

He added that such remarks once again reflect the mindset of ‘Congress ka haath, Pakistan ke saath’.

Taking to X, Chandrashekhar Bawankule posted, “Does Congress think that the courage of our soldiers, the action taken against terrorism and the struggle to protect Mother India is also a game? Congress has maintained a low mentality, like asking for proof of surgical strikes. But today the country is aware. The country is seeing who is standing with the heroes and who is with Pakistan! India will never forgive your anti-national mentality. Your mind and brain have become corrupt.”

The BJP’s Maharashtra unit also joined in the criticism. It posted on social media that earlier governments preferred ‘love letters’ and ‘Aman ki Asha’. Additionally, it added that the Modi-led administration speaks in the language of ‘Brahmos ki Bhasha’.

Condemnation extended beyond the BJP.

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Malook Nagar stated, “Nana Patole is doing exactly what the Uttar Pradesh Congress president did earlier before the military conflict. He mocked the Rafale jet, calling it a toy and tied lemon and green chillies to it. And it was with that same Rafale that we entered Pakistan and struck them. What Patole is saying is nonsense.”

Janata Dal (United) leader Neeraj Kumar also came down heavily on the Congress leader, stating that while the Army had decisively acted against those behind terror strikes, the Congress continues to dismiss these actions for political convenience.

“They are questioning the courage and valour of security forces. Nation won’t accept this,” he asserted.

Former Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole faced strong backlash for his remarks, where he claimed, “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.”

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