India-Pak ceasefire: Mixed reactions in India, PM remains silent

The recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, announced on May 10 after a series of fierce military exchanges along the Line of Control (LoC), has ignited a wave of disappointment and criticism across India. Even among loyal supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the decision received mixed reaction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s continued silence on the matter has further aggravated the disappointment.

Ceasefire from Saturday

The ceasefire, which took effect at 5:00 PM IST on Saturday, followed escalating tensions sparked by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, mostly Indian tourists. In response, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting alleged terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Yet, within hours of the ceasefire’s implementation, Pakistan reportedly violated the agreement through drone incursions and cross-border gunfire in Srinagar—further enraging the Indian public.

While both the BJP and opposition initially welcomed the ceasefire as a diplomatic breakthrough, public sentiment tells a different story.

BJP supporters wanted war

Many BJP supporters, who have long championed Modi’s hardline approach to Pakistan, now view the truce as a setback.

Frustration runs especially high among BJP’s ideological base. Critics accuse the government of surrendering a strategic advantage. “There’s a major credibility loss for Modi among thinking BJP voters. They see the ceasefire as weak,” said one supporter. Others lamented the missed opportunity to reclaim PoK.

PM Modi’s silence

Prime Minister Modi’s silence has been a focal point of criticism. Traditionally vocal during national crises, his absence this time has sparked discontent. AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi quipped, “Modi should’ve announced the ceasefire himself—not left it to a foreign president.”

While the dominant mood is one of dissatisfaction, analysts and top political voices acknowledged the complexity of the decision.

As relative calm returns to border regions like Jammu and Poonch, the political fallout is far from over. The military remains on high alert, and questions continue to mount.