New Delhi, India 

 A significant controversy has erupted following the announcement that Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, key figures who were the face of Operation Sindoor and led its media briefings, will appear on a special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). They are set to be joined by Commander Prerna Deosthalee, who recently made history as the first woman officer to command an Indian Navy warship. A promotional teaser for the special Independence Day episode, scheduled to air on August 15, shows KBC host Amitabh Bachchan giving a grand welcome to the officers. The promo also features Colonel Qureshi explaining the necessity of Operation Sindoor, stating it was a necessary response to repeated terror acts by Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack.

The appearance has sparked widespread criticism on social media, with users accusing the move of being for "PR" and "political mileage". Many critics deemed it "unthinkable" for a professional military in any serious nation to have officers in full uniform explaining military operations on a private entertainment show. Concerns were specifically raised about the "compulsion" of their uniformed presence and whether established armed forces protocols permit such appearances on reality shows.

Commenters stressed that the Indian Armed Forces hold dignity and respect, which should not be compromised by politicians for "personal benefit" or "hyper-nationalism". Army dress regulations stipulate that official uniforms are generally not to be worn at cultural events, social gatherings, or in public places, nor for non-official recognised activities, unless specifically authorised in writing by a commanding officer. This incident has reignited debates about the sanctity of the military being kept "above politics.”