WEBDESK: Renowned Indian political strategist, activist, and commentator Prashant Kishor has openly challenged the Modi government’s claims regarding the so called ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the ceasefire with Pakistan, calling it a major deception. In a recent televised discussion, Kishor questioned the government’s narrative and suggested it was India not Pakistan that was forced into compromise.
Exposing Media Evasion
A video clip circulating online shows Kishor confronting ANI anchors Smita Prakash and Naveen Kapoor with direct and uncomfortable questions about the operation. When Kishor asked why India abruptly halted its military action if Pakistan was supposedly on the brink of surrender, the anchors appeared visibly uncomfortable and quickly tried to deflect the conversation to avoid further criticism of the government.
The way ANI News agency heads Smita Prakash and Naveen Kapoor became nervous and went defensive soon after @PrashantKishor started answering their question on Operation Sindoor. pic.twitter.com/U0pXphgwpn
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) June 28, 2025
According to Kishor, if India truly had the upper hand as claimed by Foreign Minister Jaishankar, then military doctrine demands pressing the advantage not suddenly announcing a ceasefire. He also pointed out the strange fact that the ceasefire was not announced by India, but by then-US President Donald Trump’s social media account, raising serious questions about who actually initiated the peace talks.
Prashant Kishor Questioning Modi’s Military Claims in Operation Sindoor
Kishor further dismantled the government’s boast that Operation Sindoor had decimated militant camps and claimed major victories. He argued that if India was indeed winning decisively, the operation should have continued until objectives like separating Balochistan or reclaiming Pakistan-administered Kashmir as hinted by pro-government media were achieved. Instead, a sudden ceasefire was declared, exposing what Kishor called the “hollow truth” behind Modi’s aggressive posturing.
The Reality of ‘Operation Sindoor’
On 7 May 2025, following a suspected false flag operation in Pahalgam, India launched airstrikes targeting alleged militant camps in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir. However, most of the casualties were civilians, including women and children.
The Modi government, echoing tactics used by Israeli forces in Gaza, claimed over 90 militants were killed. Yet, evidence suggests the majority of strikes hit civilian areas. In retaliation, Pakistan delivered a forceful response on 10 May 2025, leading to a rapid de escalation brokered by Washington.
Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire contradicted India’s version, which claimed Pakistan had begged for peace. In truth, US mediation was sought by India — a fact that Modi’s government struggled to suppress domestically.
Rising Public Questions and Media Censorship
Prashant Kishor, who initially supported Operation Sindoor, later raised critical questions about its motives and timing. He asked whether the ceasefire decision was made for genuine military reasons or driven by domestic political interests. If the threat of nuclear retaliation was the concern, why wasn’t it disclosed earlier?
On social media, users praised Kishor’s boldness in confronting a notoriously government-aligned media outlet. Many labelled ANI as a propaganda tool unwilling to challenge the Modi regime. This incident has reignited debate over whether India’s mainstream media can freely question powerful political and military decisions, or if it has surrendered to state pressure.
Some commentators defended ANI’s anchors, arguing that national security issues require careful discussion. However, a growing number of voices are demanding transparency about the real objectives behind Operation Sindoor and the terms of the sudden ceasefire.
A Larger Debate on Media Freedom in India
This controversy reflects a broader crisis in India’s media environment. Questions remain over whether Indian mainstream media possesses the independence to hold political elites accountable or whether it merely acts as an echo chamber for the government.
Prashant Kishor’s interview with ANI has sparked a crucial conversation about media freedom, national security transparency, and the political motivations driving India’s military actions.
