Operation Sindoor Inspired By Maratha Ruler Ahilyabai Holkar: CM Yogi Adityanath

Last Updated:June 01, 2025, 21:20 IST

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. (PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that India’s strong response to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor was driven by the idea of self-defence, similar to the principles followed by Maratha ruler Ahilyabai Holkar in defending the nation.

He added that, in the same way, the BJP-led “double-engine" government is following her example of good governance by focusing on development, public welfare schemes, women empowerment initiatives, and the restoration of temples in Uttar Pradesh.

“When under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the brave Indian jawans destroyed the air defence system of Pakistan through Operation Sindoor… compelled the enemy to bow, it was inspired by the actions and principles of self-defence that the Lokmata espoused during her reign," Adityanath said.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people in Jammu and Kashmir.

As part of the operation, India targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir two weeks later, leading to a four-day military standoff between the two countries.

Adityanath was addressing a programme held here to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled the Malwa region in the 18th century.

“During the Mughal period, when foreign invaders destroyed and corrupted the symbols of India’s identity and faith, especially the temples, Devi Ahilyabai did the great work of their revival two and a half centuries ago," he said while throwing light on the life of Ahilyabai Holkar.

Adityanath started his speech by addressing Agra as ‘Brajbhoomi’ and described it as a historical land that was graced by Lord Krishna’s presence.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, his wife Sudesh Dhankhar and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya in Agra are among those present at the function.

Adityanath said that when a society takes inspiration from its national icons, no force can become an obstacle in its path. “The great personality of Lokmata Ahilyabai is a living example of this," he said.

Her work for women, craftsmen, artisans, farmers, youth and the cultural heritage of India is unforgettable, he said.

She renovated many religious places including Puri’s Jagannath Temple, Gaya Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kedarnath Dham, Mahakal Temple, Omkareshwar Temple, Somnath Temple, Bhimashankar Temple and Rameswaram Temple “with her personal funds instead of using state assets", the chief minister remarked.

She lived for only 70 years, but her personality remains a beacon of inspiration, Adityanath said.

“In the past, some people used to change the name of the degree college built in her (Holkar’s) name, but we are honouring her legacy," Adityanath added.

“Today the double-engine government has named the medical college in Auraiya after Lokmata."

(With agency inputs)

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