In the wake of the tragic Pahalgam incident, the country stood united in grief and solidarity. Soon after, the government announced Operation Sindoor — a military response that brought a sense of justice and pride to many citizens. But amidst national unity and support for the armed forces, something else quietly began — a pattern we’ve seen before. Large political posters appeared, showcasing leaders in warrior-like visuals, often without mention of the armed forces who actually carried out the mission. Similar patterns were observed in 2019, post-Pulwama, when national security incidents were followed by high-voltage political campaigns, shifting focus from collective mourning to individual praise.