The central government is unlikely to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the recent Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and the escalating India-Pakistan tensions, despite strong demands from the opposition. Government sources have indicated that all related questions and discussions can be addressed during the upcoming Monsoon Session in July. The Pahalgam attack, which tragically claimed 26 lives, and the subsequent military response, Operation Sindoor, remain significant concerns, but the Centre prefers to maintain the parliamentary schedule without interruption.
Parliamentary Response and Opposition’s Demand
Following the escalation of cross-border hostilities, including missile strikes and counterattacks, the opposition parties urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call a special session of Parliament. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, wrote to the Prime Minister emphasizing the urgency of discussing the Pahalgam terror strike, Operation Sindoor, and the ceasefire agreement announced by the United States. Similarly, Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, alongside Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, echoed this demand, highlighting the need for a united parliamentary response to the terror attack and cross-border tensions.
However, the ruling BJP dismissed these demands, stating that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing and only temporarily paused. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi urged opposition parties to hold their questions and demands until the operation concludes. He described their calls for a special session as “unnecessary and unwanted,” emphasizing the government’s focus on allowing the military operation to proceed without political disruptions.
Military Action and Current Border Situation
Operation Sindoor targeted nine terror locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as retaliation for the Pahalgam attack. The government had previously held all-party meetings, where opposition leaders expressed full support for the Centre and armed forces in their anti-terror efforts. Despite these meetings, Prime Minister Modi did not attend. The situation along the border has since stabilized, with a ceasefire extended until May 18 as diplomatic talks continue.
The upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, scheduled for July, remains the official forum for addressing questions about cross-border tensions and the Pahalgam incident. Key airports facilitating travel for politicians, military personnel, and the public include Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, connecting critical regions to national and international locations amidst these ongoing developments.
