As tensions simmer between India and Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities, a critical all-party meeting was convened today to address the government's response, "Operation Sindoor". However, the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Kharge voiced his concerns to reporters, emphasizing that the Prime Minister's presence was crucial, especially considering his authority to make key decisions. He stated that while briefing the attendees was important, the Prime Minister needed to hear firsthand accounts to make informed decisions. Kharge also questioned the "security lapse" that led to the Pahalgam attack.

The all-party meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by other prominent figures, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Sandip Bandyopadhyay of TMC, and T.R. Baalu of DMK were also present. The government briefed the leaders on "Operation Sindoor," which involved strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The strikes were a response to the Pahalgam terror attack and targeted strongholds of terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The Congress party had expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi would attend the meeting, especially after his absence from a previous all-party meeting following the Pahalgam attack. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that they had requested the Prime Minister's presence on April 24 but he did not attend.

Despite the Prime Minister's absence, leaders across party lines have lauded "Operation Sindoor" and expressed their support for the armed forces. The opposition has also extended its support for any action the government takes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, conveying a message of national unity. Rahul Gandhi praised the Indian Army for launching "Operation Sindoor".

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding security lapses and the need to ensure the safety of the Amarnath Yatra. Kharge urged Home Minister Amit Shah to take the issue as a challenge and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The government is expected to brief the opposition leaders on the objectives of "Operation Sindoor," the targets that were destroyed, and India's preparedness in case of retaliation from Pakistan. The recent events have led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan condemning India's strikes as a "violation of Pakistan's sovereignty" and authorizing its armed forces to take "corresponding actions".