New Delhi, May 12: In his first address to the nation after India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the valour and patience of the armed forces and declared that the country has shown its strength and resolve in the face of terrorism.
Speaking to the nation on Thursday, the Prime Minister said, “We all have seen the capability and patience of the country in the last few days. I salute the armed forces, the military, the intelligence agencies, and our scientists.”
He dedicated the bravery of the Indian forces to the women of the country, stating, “Today, I dedicate this valour, bravery and courage to every mother, every sister and every daughter of the country.”
The Prime Minister referred to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, calling it an act of barbarism that shook the entire nation. “In Pahalgam, terrorists showed brutal cruelty. Innocent people enjoying their holidays were killed in front of their families after being asked about their religion. That incident shook not just India but the world.”
He emphasized that the Indian Army had been given a free hand to act against terrorists. “Every terrorist and terror organisation now understands the consequences of trying to harm our sisters and daughters,” he said, adding that Operation Sindoor is a symbol of national emotion and a firm commitment to justice.
Referring to the military strikes, he said, “The Indian armed forces carried out attacks on terrorist bases inside Pakistan. These terrorists never imagined India would take such a bold step. When Indian missiles and drones struck those sites, it wasn’t just buildings that were destroyed, their courage was crushed too.”
Describing Operation Sindoor as more than just a military campaign, Modi said it represented the collective feelings of the Indian people. “Operation Sindoor is an unbroken pledge of justice. The late night of May 6 and the early hours of May 7 showed the world that this resolve is not just in words but in action.”
In a strong message to Pakistan, he stated, “Pakistan had prepared to strike on the borders, but India struck at their heart.”
He also hinted that India’s military action could resume, saying, “We have only paused our attacks on terrorist and military sites in Pakistan.”
The address comes days after India launched strikes on terror infrastructure across the border under the name Operation Sindoor, in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed several civilians. The operation has been widely seen as a decisive response from India’s security forces.
Address to the nation. https://t.co/iKjEJvlciR
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 12, 2025
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Bengaluru: Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka launched a scathing attack on MLC Dr. Yathindra, demanding that he retract his controversial statement comparing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to the late Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. Ashoka urged Yathindra to apologize to the people of Karnataka if he had even a shred of conscience and any respect for the Mysuru royal lineage.
In a strongly worded social media post on Sunday, Ashoka stated, “Comparing Siddaramaiah to Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar is nothing short of absurd. Where is Nalwadi, who was bestowed the title of ‘Rajarshi’ by Mahatma Gandhi himself, and where is Siddaramaiah, who has stooped to being a puppet in the hands of fake Gandhis for the sake of power?”
He continued his critique by contrasting the enduring legacy of Nalwadi, remembered fondly by Kannadigas for his people-centric development, with what he termed as Siddaramaiah’s failure to manage Karnataka’s economy, burdening every household with debt.
Ashoka highlighted several stark differences, while Nalwadi built Mysore University over a century ago, Siddaramaiah is shutting down nine universities due to lack of funds. Nalwadi famously sold his family’s gold to build the KRS dam, whereas Siddaramaiah is accused of grabbing 14 sites meant for the public. Nalwadi established Bhadravati Iron & Steel Plant, Sandalwood Soap Factory, and Mysore Paper Mills. In contrast, Ashoka claimed Siddaramaiah's governance drove away industries, investors, and entrepreneurs. Nalwadi pioneered reservations for the backward classes long before it became mainstream. Siddaramaiah, Ashoka alleged, is reducing social justice to a gimmick by sticking labels on doors in the name of surveys.
While acknowledging Yathindra’s emotional attachment to his father, Ashoka emphasized that comparing Siddaramaiah to a visionary like Nalwadi was “laughable, baseless, and a gross insult” to the late king.
In his concluding remarks, Ashoka slammed the government for ignoring farmers’ needs despite an early monsoon. He accused the administration of being caught up in internal power struggles and negligence, forcing farmers into despair. “This government will not be spared from the curse of the farmers,” he warned.