MPs united against terrorism: Aparajita

Bhubaneswar: Lawmakers may have differences of opinion on various internal issues, but on terrorism, they spoke in one voice and informed the world about Pakistan’s role behind it, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi said on Saturday after returning from a five-nation tour as part of a multi-party delegation.

Sarangi, the MP of Bhubaneswar, was given a rousing welcome by her supporters on her arrival here. “We may have differences of opinion on issues inside the country. But, on terrorism, all of us spoke in one voice and apprised the foreign countries of how Pakistan is peddling lies and nurturing terrorism,” she told reporters. “All members of the delegation raised India’s voice together,” she added.

Sarangi’s delegation had members from the Congress, TMC, JD(U) and CPI(M). “During our trip, we spoke to politicians, women, youth, academia, media and community representatives, and people from different walks of life. Indian diaspora was all along with us,” she said.

“There were elaborate discussions on India’s policy of zero-tolerance to terrorism,” she said.

A grand rally, organised by her supporters, accompanied Sarangi from Biju Patnaik International Airport to her office, with party workers and locals lining the route to celebrate her return. Sarangi reflected on the objectives and outcomes of the international visit and responded to the Opposition’s call for a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor.

“It was a privilege to engage with a wide spectrum of stakeholders -- from political leaders and women’s groups to youth forums, think tanks and community associations,” she said.

“Wherever we went, the Indian diaspora came out in strength, and the conversations were meaningful and inspiring,” she added.

Sarangi said the delegation had a clear mandate from Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- to assert India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and explain the strategic shift in India’s security doctrine. “India now operates under a ‘New Normal’ -- zero tolerance and immediate response,” she emphasised.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Sarangi said: “In just four days, we neutralised over 100 terrorists, dismantled major terror infrastructure, and eliminated around 11 top operatives. However, we also suffered deeply -- 26 lives were lost, including innocent tourists. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, nor forgiven.” She described the global response to the delegation’s visit as “overwhelmingly supportive”.

Addressing the Opposition’s demands for a special session of Parliament, Sarangi pushed back. “I don’t see the necessity for it.

This delegation included 59 MPs -- only 20 of them from the BJP. Others were from Congress, TMC, JD(U), CPI(M), and more. If we could present a united voice on foreign soil, why create divisions at home? Even senior leaders in Delhi appreciated the coordination and purpose we demonstrated.”