A special Independence Day episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati featuring officers from the Indian Armed Forces has triggered sharp political and public criticism, with accusations that the government is using serving soldiers for political gain.
The episode, set to air on August 15, will showcase Colonel Sofiya Qureshi (Indian Army), Wing Commander Vyomika Singh (Indian Air Force), and Commander Prerna Deosthalee (Indian Navy) recounting their roles in Operation Sindoor, a cross-border mission targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The segment will be hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
A promotional clip released by the broadcaster shows Bachchan giving the officers a grand welcome before they narrate operational moments. While the officers are believed to have obtained clearance from their respective departments, the decision to present serving personnel on a primetime entertainment platform has provoked heated debate.
Social media posts accused the ruling party of turning the Armed Forces into a “political tool” and staging a “PR stunt”. One user wrote, “This is just unbelievable. Operation Sindoor heroes appearing on national TV show KBC just because one 'nationalist' party wants to milk some votes?”
Also read: KBC season 16 to feature exciting changes, says Bachchan
Another commented, “Have you ever seen anything like this after a military operation in any serious country? How is this even allowed for someone in service? The current regime is shamelessly using our forces for its petty politics and hyper-nationalism.”
Some critics questioned whether armed forces protocol permits such appearances. “The Indian Armed Forces have some protocol, some dignity and huge respect. Politicians are ruining it for their personal benefit. That's shameful,” a user remarked.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi suggested a link between the broadcaster’s programming choices and commercial interests: “Our heroic women in Uniform who went on to become the face of Operation Sindoor have been invited by a private entertainment channel on their show… Now join the dots.”
Defence regulations discourage the wearing of uniforms in social venues such as restaurants, hotels, or shopping areas, except for official events like those at an Officers’ Mess. While uniforms may be worn at social events organised by the military, protocol on appearances in civilian entertainment programmes remains a matter of discretion and clearance.
The government and the Ministry of Defence have yet to respond to the criticism.
Follow us
