After days of deadlock, the Indian Parliament is poised to resume normal functioning as the government and opposition have reached an agreement to hold a 16-hour debate on Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. The decision comes after repeated disruptions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with the opposition demanding an immediate discussion on these critical issues.
The debate is scheduled to commence in the Lok Sabha on Monday, July 28, 2025, followed by a session in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. This arrangement aims to provide ample opportunity for all members to voice their concerns and perspectives on the matter. While the opposition initially insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address the Parliament, government representatives have indicated that the Prime Minister, along with the Home Minister and Defence Minister, will be present during the debate. There is a high probability that Modi will participate in the debate after returning from his foreign tour.
Operation Sindoor, India's military operation against Pakistan-based terrorist outfits following the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, has become a focal point of contention between the ruling and opposition parties. The opposition has raised concerns about the operation's rationale, potential international pressure, and reports of downed Indian fighter planes. They are also expected to seek clarity on claims made by former US President Donald Trump regarding his role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Several opposition leaders are expected to actively participate in the debate, drawing upon their experiences from parliamentary delegations sent to various countries to advocate India's stance on combating terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil. Key figures like Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Kanimozhi, Supriya Sule, Abhishek Banerjee, Asadudin Owaisi, and Priyanka Chaturvedi are likely to voice their perspectives.
The government has refuted claims that Operation Sindoor was launched under international pressure, asserting that it was a direct response to a cross-border terror attack in Pahalgam. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that the operation focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure and neutralizing terrorists.
The resolution of the parliamentary impasse has been facilitated by a meeting of floor leaders convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This intervention appears to have fostered a greater understanding between the treasury and opposition leaders, paving the way for a productive discussion on Operation Sindoor and related issues.
Despite the agreement on the debate, some contentious issues remain. The opposition has also called for a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and the situation in Manipur. Protests related to the Bihar SIR have disrupted parliamentary proceedings for several days. Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to move a statutory resolution in the Rajya Sabha to extend President's Rule in Manipur for another six months.
