The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced today amidst heated discussions surrounding Operation Sindoor, the recent India-Pakistan conflict, and statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The session is expected to be stormy, with the Opposition INDIA bloc prepared to challenge the government on several critical issues.
Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam Attack
Operation Sindoor, India's precision airstrikes targeting alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, is a focal point of the session. The opposition has been demanding a special session to discuss the government's handling of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military operation. Congress has moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha and a suspension of business notice in the Rajya Sabha to facilitate this discussion.
The opposition seeks to question the government regarding potential security lapses that led to the Pahalgam attack. They are also demanding a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the operation and Trump's claims of mediating peace between India and Pakistan.
The government has signaled its willingness to discuss Operation Sindoor within the established rules and procedures of Parliament. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government is "not shying away" from a discussion on this issue of national importance.
India-Pakistan Conflict
The session will also address the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, which began after India launched missile strikes on alleged militant camps in response to the Pahalgam attack. The conflict saw aerial strikes and skirmishes, with both sides claiming to have inflicted damage on the other. A ceasefire was agreed upon after communication between the two countries' Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs).
Adding to the controversy, former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for brokering the ceasefire, stating that the U.S. held talks with both sides. He also claimed that "five jets were shot down" during the conflict, without specifying which side they belonged to. Pakistan claimed to have downed six Indian planes, while India claimed to have downed "a few planes" of Pakistan. These claims have been contradicted by India, which maintains that the ceasefire was a bilateral agreement and that no outside involvement was necessary.
Donald Trump
Trump's recent activities and statements are also under scrutiny. He has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and media mogul Rupert Murdoch over a story reporting on his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. He has also directed his Attorney General to seek the release of grand jury testimony related to Epstein's case. Additionally, the House has approved Trump's request to claw back approximately $9 billion from public broadcasting and foreign aid.
Trump's remarks regarding the India-Pakistan conflict, specifically his claims of mediating the ceasefire and the downing of fighter jets, are expected to be raised by the Opposition during the session. They are seeking clarification from the government on these claims and their potential implications for India's foreign policy.
Other Issues
Besides Operation Sindoor and the India-Pakistan conflict, the Monsoon Session is expected to address other important issues, including a parliamentary panel report on the proposed Income Tax Bill, 2025, and a proposal concerning the removal of a judge. The opposition is also likely to raise concerns about the ongoing voter roll drive in Bihar.
