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Published : 16 Dec 2025, 09:45 PM
The social media posts of India's two top political leaders on Victory Day are being widely discussed and criticised.
On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi greeted the nation on the occasion of Victory Day in separate messages.
They respectfully remembered the Indian soldiers who defeated the Pakistani army in the 1971 war, but did not mention Bangladesh even once in their posts.
Modi, in a post on X, described Victory Day as “ historic victory”.
He wrote, “On Vijay Diwas, we remember the brave soldiers whose courage and sacrifice ensured India had a historic victory in 1971. Their steadfast resolve and selfless service protected our nation and etched a moment of pride in our history. This day stands as a salute to their valour and a reminder of their unmatched spirit. Their heroism continues to inspire generations of Indians.”
On the same day, in a Hindi-language post on X, Congress leader Gandhi paid tribute to the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces, saluting their bravery, dedication, and unwavering resolve during the 1971 war.
He said their courage, struggle, and supreme sacrifice in protecting the Indian borders had created history and would remain a lasting source of inspiration for all Indians.
His statement does not mention the history of where or with whom the war took place.
The statements by the two political leaders lack any reference to the Indian Army fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Mukti Bahini.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, in his post on X, mentioned the Indian heroes defeating Pakistan in 1971 and making history by liberating Bangladesh.
The Indian Army also honoured the bravery of its forces on Victory Day, while mentioning Bangladesh’s liberation struggle in its statements.
In a post on X, the Indian Army said, “Victory Day is not just a date - it stands as the symbol of the historic and decisive victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 War.
“It was a victory where the Mukti Bahini and the Indian Armed Forces fought shoulder-to-shoulder, together giving the Bangladesh Liberation struggle its decisive thrust toward freedom.
