A political clash broke out in Parliament on Friday during the special debate on India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi faced off against each other on the ceasefire that ended Operation Sindoor in May.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rajnath Singh revealed that Pakistan had pleaded for a halt to hostilities after suffering severe blows from Indian forces. “On the morning of May 10, after the Indian Air Force destroyed several of their airbases, Pakistan conceded defeat and sought to cease hostilities,” he said. Singh added that the government had given the defence forces full freedom to choose their targets and respond decisively.

ALSO READ

What happened between Rahul Gandhi and Singh?

However, the session turned stormy when Rajnath recounted how Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) had called India’s DGMO, requesting an end to the operation. “Maharaj, ab rok dijiye, bahut ho gaya (Sir, please stop now, it’s enough),” Singh quoted the Pakistani officer as saying.

At this point, Rahul Gandhi abruptly stood up and asked, “Toh aapne roki kyun?” (“Then why did you stop the operation?”).

Singh responded, “I have already spoken about that in detail in my speech. I respect the right of the Leader of Opposition to ask questions, but he should listen to my entire speech.”

‘Pak did not understand our rationale’

Rajnath Singh stressed that India’s objective was to eliminate terror infrastructure, not to escalate conflict. He explained that India’s DGMO had informed Pakistan post-strike that India did not intend further escalation but Pakistan “did not understand our rationale”.

ALSO READ

The political heat intensified over the alleged ceasefire request by Pakistan and speculation about the role played by US President Donald Trump.

The Opposition has demanded clarity on the decision-making behind the cessation of hostilities, questioning whether strategic gains were prematurely compromised.