The Monsoon session of Parliament has begun with a contentious debate brewing over "Operation Sindoor," India's military response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The opposition is demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the House regarding the operation, while the government seems inclined to have Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lead the discussion. This difference in preference highlights the strategic calculations both sides are making in this politically charged environment.
Operation Sindoor, launched in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, involved Indian armed forces targeting terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan. The opposition is eager to discuss the operation, pointing to potential security lapses that may have contributed to the Pahalgam attack. They believe Prime Minister Modi's direct involvement in the debate would lend more weight to the discussion and allow for a more comprehensive examination of the government's response. Congress has specifically demanded a response from PM Modi on Operation Sindoor.
The government, however, appears to prefer Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to lead the debate. There are several potential reasons for this approach. Firstly, assigning the debate to the Defence Minister allows the government to keep the discussion focused on the operational aspects of the military action. Rajnath Singh's expertise in defense matters makes him well-suited to address questions about military strategy, execution, and outcomes.
Secondly, having the Prime Minister directly involved could elevate the political stakes of the debate. The opposition may try to use the opportunity to target PM Modi personally and question his leadership. By tasking the Defence Minister with the responsibility, the government can shield the Prime Minister from direct attacks and potentially de-escalate the political tension surrounding the issue.
Thirdly, the Prime Minister is scheduled to leave for a foreign visit this week. Government representatives have noted that a debate in the presence of PM Modi is only possible next week.
Despite the government's preference, the opposition is firm on its demand for the Prime Minister's presence. They argue that Operation Sindoor is not merely a military matter but also a political one, with implications for India's foreign policy and national security. Therefore, they believe the Prime Minister, as the head of the government, should be directly accountable to Parliament for the decisions taken.
The Lok Sabha has already witnessed disruptions due to the opposition's insistence on an immediate discussion on Operation Sindoor. The House was adjourned multiple times on the first day of the Monsoon session as opposition members raised slogans and demanded a postponement of other business. Despite Speaker Om Birla's appeals for order, the disruptions continued, highlighting the intensity of the disagreement.
The government has agreed to a 16-hour discussion on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack in the Lok Sabha. While the discussion is likely to be taken up next week, the opposition is pressing for an earlier start and demanding the presence of PM Modi. The opposition has also demanded the presence of the Home and Defence Ministers during the debate.
The debate over who should lead the discussion on Operation Sindoor reflects the strategic considerations of both the government and the opposition. While the government seeks to manage the narrative and shield the Prime Minister from direct attacks, the opposition aims to hold the government accountable and ensure a comprehensive examination of the issue. As the Monsoon session progresses, it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached or if the deadlock will persist.
