Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has triggered outrage by alleging that the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack might have “joined the BJP,” which is why they remain untraced. His controversial remarks, made on Friday, sparked sharp backlash from BJP leader Ram Kadam, who condemned them as an “insult to our armed forces.” Even Shiv Sena’s own Sanjay Nirupam termed the comment as a product of political frustration.

Raut further criticised the BJP-led Centre for allegedly politicising Operation Sindoor, stating that soldiers carried out the mission, but BJP leaders were competing for credit. He accused Prime Minister Modi of leveraging the operation for political mileage and degrading the symbolism of Sindoor by associating it with party activities.

Raut also revealed that opposition parties are seeking a special session on Operation Sindoor, led by Rahul Gandhi, to demand accountability and transparency.