In the wake of the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene a special session of Parliament. Their appeal is aimed at demonstrating national unity and a strong political response to what has been described as one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent memory.
On Monday evening, Congress president and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the Prime Minister, emphasising that a joint session of Parliament would serve as a symbolic and practical display of India’s collective resolve. He stated that unity and solidarity are essential during this time and requested the government to take swift action in convening the session.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, echoed Kharge’s sentiments in a separate letter. He wrote that the attack has deeply outraged the nation and that the people’s representatives must come together to show their determination against terrorism. Rahul Gandhi noted that such a session would allow Parliament to project a united front and express support for any necessary government action.
Opposition Pushes for Unified Response
The Congress party released both letters to the public on Tuesday morning. The appeal follows the all-party meeting held on April 24, during which Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and senior intelligence officials briefed leaders across party lines on the attack. The government assured firm action, while opposition parties pledged their support despite raising concerns over security lapses.
At that meeting, Rajnath Singh affirmed the government’s commitment to responding decisively to the killing of the tourists, which occurred in the picturesque region of Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. While the discussion highlighted bipartisan cooperation, it also revealed some friction over how the situation was being handled at the highest level.
PM Narendra Modi Absent at All-Party Meet, Sparks Criticism
Hours before sending his letter, Kharge publicly criticised the Prime Minister’s absence from the all-party meeting. Speaking at a rally in Rajasthan, he questioned why PM Narendra Modi chose to attend an election event in Bihar instead of being present at a meeting that demanded national leadership. Kharge argued that the opposition had been ready to extend full support, making the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence all the more glaring.
The government has not yet responded to the demand for a special parliamentary session.
