Sanjay Raut Slams Modi Government Over Ceasefire: "Army Could Have Taken Lahore and Karachi"

Amid the tense backdrop of the India-Pakistan conflict and the recently declared ceasefire, Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction) leader and Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack on the Modi government. Raut questioned the government's decision to halt military operations and criticized the alleged influence of U.S. pressure in de-escalating the situation.

Referring to the brief but intense conflict that led to the ceasefire, Raut remarked, “If the Indian Army had continued operations for four days, they wouldn’t have just reclaimed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir — they would have taken control of Lahore and Karachi too.”

His remarks came in response to reports suggesting that former U.S. President Donald Trump played a mediating role in bringing about the ceasefire. India, however, has officially denied that trade or pressure from the U.S. played any role in its decision-making during the conflict.

Accusing the Modi government of yielding to foreign influence, Raut said, “The Modi government caved in to pressure from Donald Trump. Did Trump raise the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir? That remains unclear. Now we’ll have to wait and see what Trump’s next tweet says.”

Raut’s comments reflect growing political friction within India, as opposition leaders question the government's handling of the military situation and its diplomatic engagements. The ceasefire, though welcomed internationally, has become a flashpoint for domestic political criticism, with leaders like Raut suggesting that India missed a strategic opportunity.