Modi Accused of Exploiting Pakistan Conflict for Political Gain

Modi Accused of Exploiting Pakistan Conflict for Political Gain

RMN News Report Highlights

• Modi Accused of Political Posturing: PM Modi delivered a politically charged speech on May 12, claiming to have “taught Pakistan a lesson,” despite a US-brokered ceasefire and contested claims of Indian battlefield success.
• Disputed Pretext for Conflict: India blamed Pakistan for the April 22 Pahalgam attack without an investigation, later refusing Pakistan’s call for an independent probe into the incident.
• Electoral Gain Alleged Motive: Critics assert Modi is leveraging anti-Pakistan sentiment to woo Hindu voters and distract from domestic issues, especially where electoral malpractices are insufficient.
• Shift in Stance on Mediation?: India accepted US intervention for a ceasefire, leading to calls for further international involvement, particularly from the US, to resolve the Kashmir dispute.

By Rakesh Raman
New Delhi | May 13, 2025

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing accusations of leveraging a recent military conflict with Pakistan for domestic political advantage, delivering a belligerent speech on May 12, just two days after a US-imposed ceasefire halted hostilities. Critics argue that despite significant Indian losses and contested battlefield outcomes, Modi is attempting to sway voters by falsely portraying a decisive victory over Pakistan.  

The conflict, which erupted following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 people were killed, saw India launch “Operation Sindoor” against Pakistan. India, led by Modi, immediately blamed Pakistan for the Pahalgam incident without presenting evidence or agreeing to an independent investigation proposed by Islamabad, which suggested UN or US involvement. Pakistan has vehemently denied any role in the attack. 

In his May 12 address, Modi claimed India had “taught Pakistan a lesson.” However, reports suggest this narrative is contentious, citing “countless lives lost” on the Indian side and alleged Pakistani “dominance in the battlefield.” This portrayal is further compounded by accusations that Modi has a known history of making “blatant lies” which mostly go unchallenged due to a weakened opposition, complicit state institutions, and persecution of dissent.

The Prime Minister also reportedly threatened to abrogate the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, a World Bank-mediated agreement, potentially cutting off vital water supplies to Pakistan. These actions are described as being based on a “false rhetoric” of Pakistani sponsorship of terrorism, a claim that has not been corroborated by international bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Financial Action Task Force (FATF), or the United Nations. 

Analysts suggest these moves are a calculated effort by Modi, described as a “communal demagogue rather than a wise leader,” to consolidate support among India’s majority Hindu voters by fostering anti-Pakistan and anti-Muslim sentiment. This strategy is allegedly employed particularly in constituencies where traditional electoral malpractices, such as “electronic voting machine manipulation, voter roll fraud, intimidation, and bribery,” might be insufficient. The prevalence of election fraud in India is highlighted as a significant concern in this context.

In a move to galvanize public support, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced plans for “Tiranga Yatras” – political marches – scheduled to run for 11 days across the country, starting today, May 13. Following India’s strikes, the BJP claimed to have successfully destroyed terror camps in Pakistan. Conversely, Pakistan denies the existence of such camps, asserting that Indian strikes hit civilian localities, causing civilian casualties.

The acceptance of a US-brokered ceasefire by Modi, with President Donald Trump intervening, is also framed by critics as a sign of weakness and a departure from India’s long-standing position that disputes with Pakistan are strictly bilateral. 

The situation has led to calls for further international intervention, with suggestions that President Trump should now mediate the larger Kashmir dispute. Kashmir remains a disputed territory, and proponents of intervention argue it is necessary to end the alleged persecution of Kashmiri people and restore democracy through their right to self-determination.

The core accusation remains that the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military operations were criminally leveraged by Modi and his party to secure an electoral edge in India, overshadowing the human cost and the complexities of the situation.

By Rakesh Raman, who is a national award-winning journalist and social activist. He is the founder of a humanitarian organization RMN Foundation which is working in diverse areas to help the disadvantaged and distressed people in the society.