Operation Sindoor India’s new defence policy on terror: PM Modi

New Delhi, Aug 22: Prime minister Narendra Modi Friday said that Operation Sindoor has drawn a new line in India’s defence strategy. He said this after laying the foundation stone and inaugurating multiple development projects worth Rs 12,000 crore at Gaya in Bihar.
“Bihar is the land of Chandragupta Maurya and Chanakya. Whenever India has faced challenges from its enemies, Bihar has stood as a shield for the nation”, stated Modi emphasizing that any resolve taken on the soil of Bihar never goes unfulfilled.
Referring to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where innocent civilians were killed after being asked their religion, the Prime Minister recalled that it was from the land of Bihar that he had vowed to eliminate terrorism. He asserted that today, the world is witnessing the fulfillment of that resolve taken on Bihar’s soil.
Modi reminded the nation that while Pakistan was launching drone and missile attacks, India was intercepting and neutralizing those missiles mid-air like straw in the wind. He affirmed that not a single missile from Pakistan was able to cause harm to India.
“Operation Sindoor has drawn a new line in India’s defence strategy”, exclaimed Modi asserting that now, no one can escape after sending terrorists into India or orchestrating attacks. He remarked that even if terrorists hide in the depths of the earth, India’s missiles will bury them there.
The Prime Minister also offered salutations to Gaya ji, the sacred city of knowledge and liberation and extended greetings to all from the glorious land of the Vishnupad Temple.
Highlighting that today, from the sacred land of Gaya ji, projects worth Rs 12,000 crore have been inaugurated and foundation stones laid in a single day, Modi said that these projects span key sectors including energy, healthcare, and urban development. He remarked that these initiatives will strengthen Bihar’s industrial capacity and create new employment opportunities for the youth and congratulated the people of Bihar for these transformative projects. The Prime Minister further informed that a hospital and research centre have been inaugurated today to enhance healthcare facilities in the state. He noted that with this, the people of Bihar now have an additional facility for cancer treatment.
Affirming that removing hardships from the lives of the poor and making the lives of women easier brings him the greatest satisfaction as a servant of the people, the Prime Minister reiterated that providing pucca houses to the poor is one of his major commitments. He declared that until every needy person receives a pucca house, he will not rest. He highlighted that, following this resolve, over the past 11 years, 4 crore pucca houses have been built for the poor across the country. Noting that more than 38 lakh houses have been constructed in Bihar alone, and over 2 lakh families in Gaya district have received their own pucca homes, Modi emphasized that these are not just houses, but symbols of dignity for the poor. He stated that these homes come equipped with electricity, water, toilets, and gas connections—ensuring that poor families also live with convenience, safety, and dignity.
Prime Minister stated that continuing this initiative, over 16,000 families in Bihar’s Magadh region have now received their pucca homes. He remarked that this year, Diwali and Chhath Puja celebrations in these households will be even more vibrant. Extending congratulations to all beneficiary families who have received their homes, Shri Modi assured those who are still awaiting benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana that the campaign will continue until every poor citizen receives a pucca house.
Modi stated that the opposition and its allies view the people of Bihar merely as a vote bank. He remarked that they have no concern for the joys and sorrows of the poor, nor for their dignity and respect. The Prime Minister recalled that a former Chief Minister from a certain party had once publicly declared from a stage that people from Bihar would not be allowed to enter his state. Strongly criticizing the deep hatred and contempt towards the people of Bihar by such leaders, Modi stated that despite witnessing such mistreatment, the opposition party’s leadership remained in deep slumber.
Criticising the opposition parties and their governments for never valuing public money, Modi said that for them, public funds were merely a means to fill their own coffers. He highlighted that under the opposition’s rule, projects remained incomplete for years. The longer a scheme was delayed, the more money they made from it. The Prime Minister asserted that this flawed mindset has now been changed by their government. He emphasized that after a foundation stone is laid, efforts are made to complete the work as quickly as possible. Citing today’s programme as an example of this approach, Modi recalled that he had laid the foundation stone for the Aunta–Simaria section, and now he is inaugurating it himself. He stated that this bridge will not only connect roads but will also link North and South Bihar. He noted that heavy vehicles, which earlier had to take a 150-kilometre detour via Gandhi Setu, will now have a direct route. The Prime Minister remarked that this will accelerate trade, strengthen industries, and make travel easier for pilgrims. He affirmed that development projects initiated under their government will be completed—this is a certainty.
Prime Minister stated that their governments at Centre and State are working rapidly to advance railway development in Bihar. He highlighted that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Gaya ji Railway Station is being modernized to offer airport-like facilities to passengers. Shri Modi noted that Gaya is now a city with access to Rajdhani, Jan Shatabdi, and Made-in-India Vande Bharat trains. He emphasized that the direct rail connectivity from Gaya ji through Sasaram, Prayagraj, and Kanpur to Delhi is creating new opportunities for Bihar’s youth and entrepreneurs.
Expressing gratitude for their blessings and the nation’s unwavering trust, which enabled him to begin his tenure as Prime Minister in 2014—a tenure that continues uninterrupted, Modi affirmed that in all these years, not a single stain of corruption has been found on his government. In contrast, he remarked that opposition governments which ruled for six to six-and-a-half decades after Independence, have a long list of corruption cases adding that the corruption by opposition parties is known to every child in Bihar. The Prime Minister stated clearly that to take the fight against corruption to its logical conclusion, no one should be outside the scope of action. He pointed out the current law under which even a junior government employee is automatically suspended if held in custody for 48 hours. He questioned how it is possible that a Chief Minister or Minister can enjoy the privileges of power even while in jail. He cited recent instances where files were being signed and official orders issued directly from jail. Modi said that if this is the attitude of political leaders, then how can the fight against corruption be effectively pursued.
Emphasising that the Indian Constitution expects honesty and transparency from every public representative, the Prime Minister stressed that the dignity of the Constitution must not be allowed to be torn apart. He announced that their government is bringing a stringent anti-corruption law that will apply even to the Prime Minister of the country. He added that Chief Ministers and Ministers will also be covered under this law. Explaining it further, Modi said that once this law is enacted, any Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is arrested will be required to secure bail within 30 days. If bail is not granted, they will have to vacate their position on the 31st day. He affirmed that the government is moving forward with the intent to enact such a strict law.
Criticising the opposition parties for opposing this legislation, Modi remarked that their anger stems from fear—those who have committed wrongdoings may hide them from others, but they themselves are aware of their actions. He stated that some leaders from opposition parties are out on bail, while others are entangled in legal proceedings related to scams and these individuals fear that if they go to jail, their political dreams will be shattered. He said this is why they are opposing the proposed law. The Prime Minister reflected that leaders like Rajendra Babu and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar could never have imagined that power-hungry individuals would commit corruption and cling to office even while in jail. He asserted that under the new law, corrupt individuals will not only go to jail but will also lose their positions of power. “The resolve to free India from corruption is a collective commitment of crores of citizens—and this resolve will be fulfilled”, stated the PM. (PIB)