BJP to launch ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in poll-bound Bihar on May 14; Oppn accuses BJP of taking political advantage of Operation Sindoor

BJP leaders take part in the ‘Tiranga Shourya Samman Yatra’ from Kartavya Path to the National War Memorial, organised by Delhi Government in New Delhi on May 13, 2025. | Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

In poll-bound Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to launch a statewide ‘Tiranga Yatra (Tricolour march)‘ on Wednesday (May 14) to celebrate the success of Operation Sindoor. Opposition parties have described it as the BJP’s “attempt to take political advantage” of the military operation in the upcoming State Assembly elections. They have emphasised that “armed forces must never be dragged into politics”.

The Indian armed forces on May 7 launched Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, following the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people were killed.

“The BJP in Bihar will launch Tiranga Yatra from May 14. The march will be held in all divisions and blocks in the State… all party MPs, MLAs and district and block presidents will coordinate the yatra in their respective areas and constituencies. Senior party leaders will lead the processions across the State till May 23,” state BJP president Dilip Jaiswal told the media on Tuesday. “Operation Sindoor has been a demonstration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clear resolve to eliminate terrorists in their safe hideouts and heavens,” he added.

Also read | Operation Sindoor objectives achieved; losses are part of combat but pilots are back home, says IAF

The BJP launched the nationwide 10-day ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Delhi on Tuesday (May 13) to pay tribute to the bravery of Indian armed forces and highlight the success of Operation Sindoor. The yatra will end on May 23. As part of the campaign, BJP leaders and workers will organise bike rallies, public gatherings, flag hoisting ceremonies and outreach activities across the country.

Mr. Jaiswal also said that through the programme, the BJP would reach out to the common people to raise awareness among them about Operation Sindoor and its significance for the country’s security and sovereignty. “The party aims to connect with citizens across communities emphasizing the message of patriotism, national solidarity and respect for the tricolour. The yatra will focus on showcasing the bravery of the armed forces while connecting with citizens beyond political lines,” he added.

‘Don’t drag armed forces into politics’

Meanwhile, Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav took a dig at the BJP over the yatra. “I believe in positive politics and I’m of the firm opinion that the armed forces must never be dragged into politics. We’re proud of the armed forces for their befitting reply to Pakistan but also averse to the politics of claiming credit for the action,” he said.

Addressing the media, the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly further said, “The Opposition parties have demanded a special session of Parliament where all members including the Prime Minister could come up with their words of appreciation for the armed forces, to honour our soldiers.”

Some Congress leaders in the State, on the condition of anonymity, said that since the State Assembly elections are upcoming in about six months, “the ruling BJP is trying to cash in politically and electorally on the success of Operation Sindoor, successfully executed by our armed forces”. “However, the common people in the State are aware and they understand everything,” they said.

The elections to the Bihar Assembly are due in October-November this year, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (on May 15) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (on May 30) are likely to visit the State this month.

Published - May 13, 2025 07:53 pm IST