Operation Sindoor officers' presence in KBC triggers political row

Mumbai: The forthcoming episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has snowballed into a major political issue as superstar Amitabh Bachchan hosted three officers -- Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of Indian Army, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of Indian Air Force and Commander Prerna Deosthalee -- of the Indian Navy.

The Sony Entertainment Television came under intense fire on social media platforms - as the promo of the special episode - coinciding with Independence Day festivities - went viral. 

Social media users slammed the use of armed forces for "PR" and "political mileage” and noting that such a thing has “never happened before”. 

Opposition parties Congress and Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) slammed the government for the special episode.

“Three officers of the Armed Forces will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, a private entertainment show, in full uniform, explaining to a Bollywood actor the planning of a military operation. In any serious nation with a professional military, this would be unthinkable. But this is the spectacle of New India under Narendra Modi. An absolute disgrace,” the Kerala Congress posted. 

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi lashed out at the government over the issue. “Our heroic women in uniform who went on to become the face of Operation Sindoor have been invited by a private entertainment channel on their show. This private entertainment channel’s parent company Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has also bagged the broadcasting rights of the Asia Cup till 2031.  Yes the very channel that seeks to earn revenue through India vs Pakistan cricket matches. Now join the dots,” Chaturvedi said. 

In the video, the three officers were heard giving views on Operation Sindoor. 

“Pakistan has been doing this for years; it was important to answer back, which is why Operation Sindoor was planned,” said Col Qureshi. "At night, between 1.05 am to 1.30 am, we ended their game in just 25 minutes,” added Wg Cdr Singh. “Targets were destroyed and no civilians were harmed,” said Cdr Deosthalee. 

“Officers in uniform going to KBC to talk about Ops Sindoor with Amitabh Bachchan. Has something like this ever happened before,” asked a user.  "This is just unbelievable. Operation Sindoor heroes appearing on national TV show KBC  Just because one "nationalist" party wants to milk some votes?,” added an user.