Recently, Ravinder Raina, a senior BJP leader from Jammu and Kashmir and former state party chief, posted a short video reel on social media that quickly became the center of a heated debate. The video shows Raina running playfully in the snow, accompanied by several armed security personnel who appear to be following him. The clip, set to an intense patriotic song and captioned simply “Jai Hind,” was meant to boost morale but instead drew sharp criticism from political opponents and social media users alike.
What Happened in the Video?
#JaiHind 🇮🇳
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/vH4XYKkrpI— Ravinder Raina (@RavinderRaina) May 4, 2025
In the reel, Ravinder Raina is seen smiling and running in a snow-covered area along with at least five security personnel. The background music is “Aarambh Hai Prachand,” a powerful song from the movie Gulaal. The video was posted shortly after a tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The timing of the post, combined with the lighthearted tone of the video, triggered a strong reaction from opposition leaders and the public.
Opposition’s Response and Public Backlash
आम जनता- 0 सुरक्षा
BJP नेता - 10 सुरक्षाकर्मी pic.twitter.com/Um7u2ZFevs— Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) May 5, 2025
Senior Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticized Raina harshly, pointing out the insensitivity of posting such a reel when the nation was mourning the recent terror attack. She questioned the use of security personnel for what she called a frivolous activity and called out the BJP leadership to respond to this perceived misuse. Similarly, Shiv Sena’s Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi sarcastically remarked on the “reel game on point,” implying that the security forces should focus on protecting borders rather than safeguarding politicians for social media content.
BJP National Executive Member @RavinderRaina's reels with security forces in Kashmir. This is the treatment BJP leaders or even fake PMO officials get. But not a single police or military person was posted where over 2000 tourists visit. Not a single gunshot was fired back. pic.twitter.com/R4gDbqbcxJ— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) May 5, 2025
The Congress party’s Kerala unit also shared the reel, highlighting a contrast between the security given to BJP leaders and the lack of adequate protection in tourist areas like Pahalgam, where the attack happened. They pointed out that despite the presence of thousands of tourists, no police or military personnel were posted there at the time of the attack, and no shots were fired back, raising questions about priorities and security management.
Ravinder Raina’s Intentions and Context
Supporters of Raina argue that the video was intended to boost the morale of troops stationed in the challenging snowbound areas near the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. The video was filmed in a high-altitude, sensitive region where Indian soldiers face tough conditions daily. Raina has been vocal about border security and has praised the Indian Army’s response to ceasefire violations by Pakistan. He has visited border villages and lauded the army’s efforts to protect the nation.
This incident highlights the delicate balance politicians must maintain when engaging with the public on social media, especially in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir. While supporting and boosting the morale of security forces is important, timing and context are crucial. Posting a playful video shortly after a deadly terror attack can be perceived as insensitive or tone-deaf by the public and political opponents.
Moreover, the use of armed security personnel in social media posts raises ethical questions about the appropriate use of government resources. Critics argue that security forces should focus on their primary duties rather than being part of political or personal social media content. On the other hand, politicians often rely on security for their protection in volatile areas, making it challenging to separate official duties from personal activities.
Final Note
The reel posted by Ravinder Raina serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in political communication during times of crisis. While the intention might have been to show solidarity with the troops and patriotism, the public reaction shows that perception matters greatly. This episode underscores the need for political leaders to be mindful of the sentiments of the people, especially when the nation is grieving. It also opens up a broader conversation about the role of social media in politics and the responsibilities that come with it.
In the end, the debate around this reel is a reflection of the larger political and social dynamics in India today, where every action by public figures is closely scrutinized and can quickly become a matter of public discussion and controversy.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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