Parliament is set to witness an intense debate today as they would meet for an all-day discussion on Operation Sindoor, India’s wide-ranging military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that took 26 civilian lives. The anticipated debate talks, the highlight of the Monsoon Session so far, has attracted strong interest due to its national security and government foreign policy implications.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh would initiate the proceedings in the Lok Sabha, explaining the goals, implementation, and results of Operation Sindoor. The operation, carried out between May 7 and 10, was aimed at nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, marking what the government has termed a “decisive counter-terror move.” Singh is likely to speak about the need for an effective response to cross-border terror, and will be accompanied by Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who would outline the diplomatic efforts made in its wake. The government claimed that India’s actions enjoyed firm support from the global community—a point further accentuated by speeches from MPs who had represented India in foreign delegations after the operation.
The debate is to be extensive in its timing, set for 16 hours in both Houses, and demonstrating the significance of the operation on the national stage. The BJP and allies would deploy important leaders like Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey, as well as members of multi-party delegations sent to over 30 capitals post-operation. Their remarks would look to highlight India’s resolve to take on terrorism and the diplomatic challenges it brought with it.
In the Opposition benches, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge are expected to lead. They would be soughting more transparency on the planning of the operation, civilian protections, and the government crisis management, and also accuse the NDA government of using security for political purposes. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other opposition leaders may demand accountability and independent monitoring on military operations. The Congress issued a whip to ensure maximum attendance, highlighting its attempts to corner the government.
The debate would continue spilling over into Tuesday with the Rajya Sabha’s extended session. Meanwhile, it would be interesting how the observers describe the debate, as a watershed in how Parliament manages the meeting place of national security, public scrutiny, and political contestation amidst an era of increased international attention to India’s regional role or will the opposition succeed in raising doubts regarding the Operation?
