PM MODI HIGHLIGHTS SURGICAL STRIKES AMID OPPOSITION CONCERNS OVER ELECTORAL PROCESS

September 28, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday focused on India’s counter-terrorism operations and the 10th anniversary of the 2016 surgical strikes during his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, amid an ongoing political dispute over the credibility of the electoral process. Modi highlighted the military operation and contrasted his government’s approach to terrorism with that of previous administrations.

Referring to the September 28–29, 2016 operation, Modi said Indian Army personnel had crossed the Line of Control to target terrorist positions in Pakistan following the Uri attack. He described the operation as an example of India’s counter-terrorism policy and said the country had subsequently maintained what he called a “zero-tolerance” approach towards terrorism.

Modi also referred to earlier terrorist attacks, including the 2008 Delhi serial blasts and the Mumbai attacks, arguing that previous governments had faced demands for action against Pakistan but had not responded in the same manner. He cited subsequent operations, including the Balakot air strike and Operation Sindoor, as examples of India’s response to terrorism.

The Telegraph report noted that Modi did not directly address opposition demands concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar or calls to scrap the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The electoral dispute has continued alongside the government and Election Commission’s defence of the SIR process, with opposition parties raising concerns about its implementation.

BJP leaders, meanwhile, have defended the Election Commission and its handling of the revision exercise. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the three election commissioners had clarified the process, while Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also defended the exercise.