With tension rising over terror attacks, electoral controversies, and unexpected foreign claims, the Monsoon Session of Parliament is shaping up to be anything but routine.
On Sunday, the government agreed to a crucial Opposition demand: a debate on Operation Sindoor, the security operation launched after the deadly attack in Pahalgam. But the INDIA bloc wasn’t satisfied. Leaders want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally respond — not only on the Kashmir attack, but also on former US President Donald Trump’s startling statement that he brokered the India–Pakistan ceasefire last month.
All-Party Meet Turns Into a Preview of Parliamentary Battle Lines
Sunday’s all-party meeting, usually a procedural affair, turned into a high-voltage political sparring match. As expected, the Opposition came prepared with a long list of concerns.
Top among them:
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A discussion on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor
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Clarification from PM Modi on Trump’s ceasefire remarks
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Debate on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which the Opposition claims is being politically manipulated
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju acknowledged the significance of the issues raised. “The NDA, UPA and those in between have presented their opinions,” he said, urging for calm cooperation. “We’ve noted their points. Now, let’s ensure Parliament functions.”
One sentence here: That might be easier said than done.
Why Pahalgam Is Front and Center
The attack in Pahalgam on July 13 left at least 14 dead and dozens injured, including pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra. It shook the security establishment and set off Operation Sindoor — a wide-scale manhunt for suspected militants in South Kashmir.
For the Opposition, this is about more than just national security.
INDIA bloc leaders argue the prime minister’s silence has been deafening. They say the public deserves a direct response, not a carefully worded ministry statement. “This is not business as usual,” one senior Congress MP told reporters. “We want to hear from the man at the top.”
Meanwhile, BJP leaders maintain that the government’s actions speak louder than soundbites — and that PM Modi may still address the issue during the debate.
But the demand is clear: the House wants answers. And it wants them on the record.
Trump’s Unexpected Entry Into the Debate
Add to that the curveball no one in Delhi saw coming: Donald Trump.
Earlier this week, the former U.S. president claimed — rather casually during a campaign event — that he “helped fix the India-Pakistan situation last month,” alluding to a secret mediation role in the wake of the June skirmishes in Punjab and Rajouri.
It caused a stir in South Block. Ministry of External Affairs officials swiftly denied any formal involvement from Washington. “No third-party mediation has occurred,” said a senior diplomat, speaking off the record.
Still, the Opposition is pouncing. If the claim is false, they argue, the PM should publicly debunk it. And if there’s truth to it — even slightly — Parliament has a right to know.
For now, the government’s position is deliberately vague. “Parliament is not the venue for chasing American soundbites,” quipped a BJP leader.
But it’s already become a political flashpoint.
Bihar’s Voter Roll Shake-Up
Even before the session begins, Bihar’s electoral rolls are generating heat.
The state is undergoing a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) — a routine process, on paper. But the Opposition claims it’s anything but routine. They allege selective deletions, caste-based targeting, and politically motivated re-registrations, all under the guise of cleanup.
What makes it more volatile? Bihar heads to the polls in less than six months.
The Election Commission maintains the revision is standard procedure, citing overcrowded rolls and duplication. But leaders from RJD, Congress, and CPI(M) have united in demanding transparency. They want the issue taken up in the Lok Sabha.
And according to insiders, even some NDA allies are privately uneasy about how the revision is being conducted.
Here’s what’s making the Bihar SIR controversial:
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Thousands of voters in Dalit and Muslim-majority areas have reportedly received deletion notices.
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Opposition candidates claim door-to-door verification is happening only in select constituencies.
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Concerns over digital literacy barriers impacting re-registration via mobile apps and online platforms.
No Smooth Sailing Ahead
Kiren Rijiju’s plea for smooth parliamentary functioning sounds hopeful — maybe too hopeful.
Opposition parties appear unwilling to let these three issues pass without a fight. And with back-to-back state elections looming in Bihar, Maharashtra, and Haryana, political calculus is already driving every debate.
Different parties have different priorities:
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Congress wants focus on Operation Sindoor and the PM’s silence.
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RJD and JD(U) are locked in on the Bihar voter list.
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TMC is likely to bring up NRC-related issues again.
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DMK may spotlight Tamil Nadu’s request for NEET exemption.
Each group is ready with its agenda. Coordination? Maybe. Cooperation? Unlikely.
