PM Narendra Modi speaks in Lok Sabha during a debate on Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
Photo Credit: Sansad TV
Prime Minister Narendra Modi put up a brave front in Lok Sabha by saying that the Indian armed forces taught such a lesson to those behind the Pahalgam attack that the "masters of terrorism" are still losing their sleep over it.
In his 100-minute reply during the special discussion in the Lower House of Parliament on "India's strong, successful and decisive Operation Sindoor", PM Modi said the attack was aimed at instigating riots in India, and the country's unity has foiled the attempt, while he also launched a scathing attack on the opposition Congress party.
"I stand here to make a case for India, and to show a mirror to those who do not understand this. I had said that we will teach the terrorists and their masters a befitting lesson which will be beyond their imagination."
"We have complete trust in the capabilities of our armed forces and they were given a free hand to respond. The armed forces taught them such a lesson that the masters of terrorism are still losing their sleep over it," he said.
Earlier Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had criticised the Modi dispensation for the way it handled the crisis.
However, Modi hit back at the Opposition and jumped to the defence of his government.
Modi noted that Pakistan had some inkling of Indian action and had started issuing nuclear threats, but could do nothing when terror targets were hit.
"It (Pahalgam attack) was a conspiracy to instigate riots in India and the country's unity foiled that attempt. When I speak of this Parliament session being a Vijayotsav, it is of destroying the headquarters of terror," he added.
The PM also noted that India called out Pakistan's nuclear bluff and showed the world that "we will not bow down to nuclear blackmail".
"Our operations range from Sindoor to Sindhu (Indus Waters Treaty)... Pakistan knows they have to pay a huge price for any misadventure. Terror attacks were launched earlier and the masterminds of attacks knew nothing would happen, but now they know India will come for them."
On ceasefire initiative by US
About Donald Trump's claims of having brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, PM informed the Lower House, "On May 9th night, US Vice President (JD Vance) tried to reach out to me 3-4 times, but I was busy with meetings with the armed forces".
In his 102-minute speech, Modi made it clear that no country in the world stopped India from taking action in its defence against terrorism and that no leader of any country asked India to halt 'Operation Sindoor'.
"No country in the world has stopped India from any action in its defence against terrorism. Only three countries spoke in favour of Pakistan at the UN," he said.
"When I returned the call, the US Vice President warned me of a big attack from Pakistan. I told him that if Pakistan attacks India, our attack would be much bigger as we will respond to bullets with cannons," he said.
Congress flayed
The PM also took a dig at principal Opposition party -- the Congress.
"In every defence deal, Congress looks for opportunities. During their regime, we were dependent on foreign countries even for the smallest of equipment. Congress' policies would not have enabled us to even think about something like Operation Sindoor in this 21st century. The country is paying for the blunders of Nehru. Congress gets jittery every time I mention Nehru," he said.
"Congress' bharosa is manufactured through Pakistan controlled remote control. I'm surprised at the questions being raised on the timing of Operation Mahadev. Democracy flourishes in the country when forces at the borders are strengthened," the PM added.
On Sindhu Water Treaty
The PM also criticised Congress' role in Sindhu Water Treaty.
"Congress authorised World Bank to decide the dispute regarding water of Sindhu river. Sindhu Water Treaty was a big betrayal with India. Pakistan was playing 'khoon ki holi' and Congress was engaging with them through mushairas of aman ki asha."
"Country wants to know that if our govt can take action on terror and terrorists, then what was Congress' compulsion that under their regime terrorism flourished. It was the result of their vote bank politics. For appeasement politics, Congress did not allow Indian Constitution to enter Jammu and Kashmir," he added.
Course correction
"India has done course correction by suspending Nehru's Indus Water Treaty in the interest of country."
"India has clearly stated that blood and water can't flow together," he added.
On PoK
"Some are asking why did not we take back PoK. It's right, they can ask me only, who else. But it needs to be asked first who gave PoK to Pakistan."
(With inputs from agencies)