Dharmendra Pradhan Slams Opposition Over SIR Protest, Calls Akhilesh’s Remarks on Operation Mahadev ‘Shameless Appeasement’

New Delhi: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday lashed out at the opposition for their protests against the Standard Identification Register (SIR), accusing them of misusing constitutional values for political gain. His remarks came amid continued uproar in Parliament, with opposition MPs disrupting proceedings over the SIR exercise.

“Those who walk around with the Constitution in their hands are the ones mocking it the most,” Pradhan said, addressing reporters outside Parliament. “SIR is not a new initiative — it is a long-standing system managed by the Election Commission. To oppose it now, purely for political expediency, is deeply concerning and deserves condemnation.”

He criticized the opposition for attempting to politicize what he called an administrative and constitutional exercise. “If you’re protesting against SIR, then essentially you’re protesting against the Election Commission itself. Can the Lok Sabha even take up a debate targeting the Election Commission?” Pradhan asked pointedly. “Those who don’t understand the constitutional system are simply making noise without logic or responsibility.”

Turning his attention to Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav’s comments on Operation Mahadev, the recent counter-terrorism operation in Jammu & Kashmir, Pradhan did not mince words. “This is a shameless demonstration of appeasement politics,” he said.

He accused Yadav of downplaying a significant national security operation for vote-bank politics. “At a time when brave soldiers are risking their lives to eliminate terrorists, making such statements shows a complete disconnect from national interest,” Pradhan added.