KBC Independence Day episode featuring OP Sindoor officers triggers row

August 13, 2025

New Delhi: An Independence Day special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17 has triggered a political row after senior women officers of the show speak about the recently conducted Operation Sindoor.

The episode, will be aired on August 15 on Sony TV and SonyLIV, featured Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Commander Prerna Deosthalee, who played key roles in the joint military strike. In a promotional clip, Col. Qureshi told host Amitabh Bachchan, “Pakistan has been doing this for years; so it was necessary to respond, which is why Operation Sindoor was planned.”

Wing Commander Singh described the speed of the strike, stating it was completed in 25 minutes between 1:05 am and 1:30 am. Commander Deosthalee said all military targets were destroyed without civilian casualties. Col. Qureshi concluded with the remark, “This is a new India, with a new mindset,” drawing applause and chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” from the studio audience.

However, the broadcast has sparked criticism from opposition figures, retired officers and some social media users, who accused the government of politicising military operations and using the armed forces for publicity. “Have you ever seen anything like this after a military operation in any serious country? The current regime is shamelessly using our forces for petty politics and hyper-nationalism,” one comment read.

Concerns have also been raised over protocol, with some pointing to service rules that discourage officers from wearing uniform in non-official appearances without explicit clearance. Questions have emerged about whether proper authorisation was granted for the KBC shoot.

Operation Sindoor took place on May 7, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It involved coordinated strikes by the Army, Air Force and Navy.

The controversy has sharpened political fault lines, with supporters calling the KBC episode a tribute to national pride, while detractors see it as a breach of military decorum and an attempt at political messaging ahead of elections.