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The NITI Aayog meeting showed rare camaraderie among political leaders, including PM Modi and opposition CMs, united by Operation Sindoor, highlighting national solidarity.
PM Modi interacting with CMs of different states on Saturday.
In a fast-evolving political landscape – often marked by criticism, sharp divisions and mostly combative rhetoric among the ruling coalition and the Opposition bloc leaders – the visuals emerging from the NITI Aayog governing council meeting on Saturday over the solidarity for Operation Sindoor have struck a different and emotional tone. The scenes from the meeting venue were ones of camaraderie and quiet cooperation.
Images shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his office after the meeting with the chief ministers, including the Opposition-run states’ chief ministers like Himachal Pradesh’s Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Tamil Nadu’s M K Stalin, Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren and Telangana’s Revanth Reddy, capture more than mere protocol.
There appears to be warmth in the handshakes, attentiveness in the body language, and also mutual acknowledgement of the crisis that transcends political lines.
Explaining the cordial and warm atmosphere in the meeting venue, BVR Subramanian, CEO of NITI Aayog, said, “There has been absolute unanimity across states on Operation Sindoor. It was seen as a symbol of national solidarity. There was widespread expression of solidarity and commitment beyond party lines. Leaders were commended for rising above ideological divides in support of national security.” He further added, quoting PM Modi, “It was not just a display of military might, but a reflection of our social strength.” Operation Sindoor, apparently, appears to have triggered not just a swift governmental response but also a rare spirit of federal solidarity.
CM Stalin, while gracefully receiving the PM, did use his platform to raise concerns over central fund allocations. Yet the tone was not confrontational, said a source. In fact, the very act of raising issues within a cooperative federal setting might be seen as a sign of maturity in centre-state dialogue, added a senior officer.
For CM Sukhu, the meeting with the PM was particularly significant. Visuals showed him expressing gratitude, clasping the PM’s hand with a sincerity that suggested political bonhomie. Revanth Reddy, the CM of Telangana, often seen as a sharp critic of the BJP, was engaged in what appeared to be a warm and constructive discussion with the PM, standing side by side for photos with expressions more collegial than combative.
In the upcoming election-heavy season, it is always tempting to read these gestures as tactical and political optics. But Operation Sindoor also reflects the deeper truth of Indian federalism and unity cutting across party lines. It shows that in moments of real crisis, cooperation is not a choice, but a necessity. And when that cooperation and confidence are captured in moments of genuine bonhomie, even political arch-rivals can stand, even if briefly, on common ground.
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