Parliament Set for Heated Debate on National Security Amidst Pahalgam Attack Fallout

Intense Discussions Expected in Parliament

New Delhi: Following a week of disruptions, the Monsoon session of Parliament is poised for a vigorous debate starting Monday, focusing on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, with both the ruling coalition and the Opposition gearing up for a clash over national security and foreign policy.

The National Democratic Alliance, led by the BJP, along with various Opposition parties, is expected to present their most prominent leaders during the discussions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Sources indicate that key figures such as Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will address the issues, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to intervene to highlight his government's strong stance on national security.

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, are anticipated to spearhead the criticism against the government, joined by Akhilesh Yadav from the Samajwadi Party and other prominent figures.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju mentioned that after a largely unproductive first week, the Opposition has consented to commence discussions on these critical issues in the Lok Sabha on Monday, followed by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Both sides have agreed to a lengthy 16-hour debate in each House, which often extends beyond the scheduled time.

In addition to its ministers, the NDA will also include members from seven multi-party delegations that represented India in over 30 global capitals following Operation Sindoor.

This includes representatives like Shrikant Shinde from Shiv Sena, Sanjay Jha from JD(U), and Harish Balayogi from TDP, among others.

A significant question remains regarding whether Shashi Tharoor, who led a delegation to the US, will be chosen as a speaker by the Congress, given his recent support for the government's actions post-terror attack, which has strained his relationship with the party.

The Opposition has framed its critique around alleged intelligence failures linked to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 civilian deaths, as well as US President Donald Trump's claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

Rahul Gandhi has consistently targeted the government's foreign policy, asserting that India did not garner international backing during Operation Sindoor and has referenced Trump's mediation claims to challenge the ruling coalition.

In contrast, Modi has praised Operation Sindoor for achieving its objectives and showcasing India's indigenous defense capabilities.

The conflict escalated into a four-day confrontation after Pakistan retaliated against India's actions against terrorist facilities, with India claiming significant damage to several of Pakistan's air bases.

Modi emphasized that India has established a 'new normal' in its approach to terrorism linked to Pakistan, asserting that there will be no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors.

A contentious issue remains regarding the Opposition's demand for a parliamentary discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar by the Election Commission.

The united Opposition had previously stalled Parliament over this matter, alleging that the revision process is designed to benefit the BJP-led alliance in the upcoming elections, while the Election Commission maintains that it aims to ensure only eligible voters participate.

Rijiju stated that not every issue can be addressed in Parliament simultaneously, and the government will consider the demand for a debate on the SIR at a later time, adhering to parliamentary procedures.