New Delhi: A high-priority debate on Operation Sindoor is scheduled in both Houses of Parliament. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju confirmed that both Houses, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, will dedicate 16 hours each for deliberations on Operation Sindoor.
While the Lok Sabha will hold a 16-hour discussion today (Monday), the Rajya Sabha will debate on India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack tomorrow (Tuesday, July 28). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will initiate the discussions. The debate marks a crucial moment in the Monsoon Session, which was disrupted during its first week.
Ministers to lead NDA’s charge
Key leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey, are expected to address the Parliament. News reports indicated that PM Modi is also likely to address both Houses during the discussion, though no official confirmation has been issued.
Congress, INDIA bloc prepare response
From the Opposition, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Gaurav Gogoi, Praniti Shinde and Priyanka Gandhi may speak, though the final list is yet to be confirmed. Congress has been allocated three of the 16 hours in the Lok Sabha. Other Opposition speakers, including Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party), Rajiv Rai, Supriya Sule (NCP), and Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), are expected to address the Parliament.
Strategy meetings and tensions
The Opposition has been pressing for a full-fledged debate on the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s military response. Ahead of the session, INDIA bloc floor leaders are set to meet on ahead of the session, to finetune their approach. The debate was postponed last week due to PM Modi’s overseas engagements, while the Opposition leaders have been demanding the Prime Minister’s presence for the discussion on Operation Sindoor.
NDA allies expected to speak
Telugu Desam Party MPs Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and GM Harish Balayogi are also expected to speak, with 30 minutes allotted to their party. NDA leaders who were part of international delegations on Operation Sindoor may also contribute to the discussion.
Minister Rijiju’s appeal to the Opposition
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that while several issues, including the voter revision exercise in Bihar, have been raised, Operation Sindoor will take precedence. He also appealed to the Opposition to avoid disruptions, noting that a non-functional Parliament only harms national interests.
