The upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament, slated to run from July 21 to August 12, is expected to be a fiery affair, dominated by discussions surrounding "Operation Sindoor" and a proposed impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma. The session, comprising 17 sittings, promises intense debates and potential political clashes.
The opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc has been vocal in its demand for a special parliamentary session to discuss the implications of "Operation Sindoor" and the events leading up to it, particularly the Pahalgam terror attack. The government's decision to announce the Monsoon session dates well in advance – 47 days before commencement – has been criticized by the opposition, who allege it is a tactic to avoid a dedicated discussion on the sensitive issue. Despite this, the government has indicated its willingness to discuss "Operation Sindoor" during the Monsoon session, adhering to parliamentary rules and regulations.
"Operation Sindoor," launched in early May 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed Indian civilians, was a series of precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation marked a significant shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy, demonstrating a willingness to undertake direct military action against terrorist havens across the border. While the government views it as a decisive step in deterring cross-border terrorism, the opposition is expected to raise concerns about the operation's impact, potential intelligence failures, and the "politicisation" of the military action. CDS General Anil Chauhan's admission of initial Indian losses due to tactical errors has further fueled the opposition's demand for a thorough discussion.
Beyond the strategic and security dimensions, the opposition is also likely to focus on the diplomatic fallout of "Operation Sindoor." Concerns have been raised about the "hyphenation" of India and Pakistan in international discourse, the embedding of China in the Pakistan Air Force, and repeated claims of mediation by former US President Donald Trump. The opposition is expected to question the government's handling of foreign policy engagements in the aftermath of the operation.
Adding another layer of complexity to the Monsoon session is the impending impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court. The motion is reportedly linked to allegations of corruption, specifically the recovery of a substantial amount of cash from his official residence. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has been reaching out to opposition leaders, seeking a "unified response" on the impeachment motion. The government is emphasizing the gravity of the corruption issue and urging cross-party support for the motion. However, the opposition is likely to tread cautiously, carefully examining the evidence and legal implications before committing to a stance. The Congress and TMC have questioned the timing of the government's outreach, suspecting an attempt to divert attention from the "Operation Sindoor" debate.
The Monsoon session promises to be a crucial period for Indian politics, with significant implications for national security, foreign policy, and the integrity of the judiciary. The debates surrounding "Operation Sindoor" and the impeachment motion are expected to be intense, potentially shaping the political landscape for the foreseeable future.
