The Monsoon session of the Parliament started on a rocky note last week on July 21. Since then, several major developments have taken place. After a week of disruptions and deadlock, Parliament is finally set to shift gears as both Houses brace for a marathon debate on national security and foreign policy, beginning on Monday.
The centre of the discussions will be the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s military response, Operation Sindoor. The Opposition parties have been demanding a debate on Operation Sindoor since Day 1 of the Monsoon Session.
Marathon 16-hour debate on Operation Sindoor
The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition have agreed to a 16-hour debate in the Lok Sabha on Monday, followed by a similar discussion in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The agreement came after the first week of the session was virtually washed out due to the Opposition’s demands to address multiple issues, including electoral roll revisions in Bihar.
According to a PTI report, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the government’s charge for the debate. There is also speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi can also speak during the debate.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge and Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav are expected to lead the attack against the government, the report stated.
What is the Opposition’s plan?
The Opposition is framing its criticism on two key points – the security breach that led to the April 22 Pahalgam attack and the international fallout of Operation Sindoor.
What has made matters more difficult for the ruling dispensation are the regular comments from US President Donald Trump claiming he played a role in mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has latched onto these remarks to question India’s diplomatic effectiveness under Modi’s leadership.
Gandhi has time and again questioned the government on Trump’s claims and if it failed to secure global support after Operation Sindoor.
Will Congress let Tharoor speak?
A major point of interest during Monday’s Parliament session will be to see if Congress lets senior leader Shashi Tharoor speak. Tharoor led an important delegation in the Centre-led outreach program after Operation Sindoor and since then, the four-time Thiruvananthapuram MP has faced some flak from the party insiders. His strong endorsement of the government’s response to the terror attack has reportedly strained relations with his party. However, given the significance of the delegation he headed, the party may still find a way to accommodate his participation.
Government’s counteroffensive
In response, the Modi government has touted Operation Sindoor as a resounding success. Prime Minister Modi has declared that the mission met “100% of its objectives” and showcased the capability of India’s indigenous defence technology. He also described the military operation as a “new normal” in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine, asserting that India would no longer distinguish between terrorists and the regimes that sponsor them.
According to the Defence Ministry, several Pakistani airbases sustained significant damage. The government has also clarified on several occasions that Indian casualties were kept minimal. Government officials argue that the message was clear and forceful, with India asserting its right to self-defence without fear of international condemnation.
Bihar electoral roll row still simmering
The thorny subject of the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar continues to strain government-Opposition ties. Opposition parties have alleged that the voter roll revision, ahead of elections in the politically crucial state, is aimed at favouring the BJP. The Election Commission, however, has defended the move, saying the exercise is meant to ensure only eligible voters remain on the list.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has said that not all issues can be taken up simultaneously. “The government is open to discussion as per rules and procedures, but priority now is on national security and Operation Sindoor,” he told reporters.