New Delhi July 21: The Monsoon Session of Parliament began with high tensions on Monday, as fierce exchanges erupted between the government and the Opposition over Operation Sindoor — India’s recent cross-border military offensive against terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
Uproar in Parliament over Pahalgam Attack and Military Action
Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha witnessed chaotic scenes, with Opposition members vocally demanding an immediate debate on Operation Sindoor. The Opposition aimed to question the government on the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead, citing alleged security failures.
As the Lok Sabha session commenced, slogan-shouting from Opposition benches disrupted proceedings during the Question Hour. They called for the suspension of routine business to prioritize a discussion on the Pahalgam tragedy. Despite Speaker Om Birla’s efforts to restore order, the House was adjourned within 20 minutes.
RS Sees Tense Exchanges Over Operation and Diplomacy
In the Upper House, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge raised the issue of former US President Donald Trump’s claims of mediating peace between India and Pakistan, emphasizing that the Opposition did not intend to politicize India’s military operations.
Responding to Kharge, Rajya Sabha Leader of the House J.P. Nadda reiterated the government’s readiness for debate but insisted that proper parliamentary procedure must be maintained.
PM Modi Calls Session a ‘Celebration of National Pride’
Before the session began, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media, describing the Monsoon Session as a celebration of India’s strength and recent achievements — from the success of Operation Sindoor to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “I am confident that together, we will strengthen the efforts to become aatmanirbhar in the field of defence and appreciate the strength of our armed forces. Today, I want to tell the people of the country and also urge all political… pic.twitter.com/MKBBnkbDFP
— IANS (@ians_india) July 21, 2025
Congress Pushes for Debate on Terror Attack and Electoral Rolls
The Congress party submitted notices seeking a suspension of regular business to allow discussions on two key issues — the terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.
The party, along with other Opposition factions, questioned the government’s silence on alleged lapses in security and potential manipulation of voter data in Bihar ahead of upcoming elections.
Statements from Parliament Leaders Across Party Lines
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said, “Together we can further our goal of self-reliance in defence and honour the bravery of our armed forces. The nation has witnessed the strength of unity and the impact of a collective voice.”
Speaker Om Birla, meanwhile, congratulated ISRO and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on behalf of the House and announced that a detailed discussion would be held during this session on the historic space mission.
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed frustration: “Discussion will happen — if they allow it. We just wanted to say a few words, but the Opposition is not being given space.”
Delhi: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, “Of course there will be a discussion, if they allow it, then it will happen. But the issue is that convention says if the government’s members speak, then we should also be given space. We just wanted to say a few words, but the opposition… pic.twitter.com/CkifgjzM5B
— IANS (@ians_india) July 21, 2025
Union Minister Bhagirath Choudhary compared the session’s spirit to monsoon’s vitality, calling it “a season of change and national rejuvenation.”
Voices on Operation Sindoor: Pride and Call for Debate
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya noted that India’s robust military and diplomatic response through Operation Sindoor would be discussed during the session.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi lauded the operation as a testament to the Indian Army’s courage and highlighted her diplomatic outreach during the mission.
Congress MP K.C. Venugopal stressed the need for an open debate, saying the entire Opposition stands united in national pride but insists on a formal discussion. “Let the Prime Minister speak on it in Parliament,” he urged.
Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad questioned the government’s commitment to follow through on its statements, while BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh highlighted the multi-front nature of the operation, including threats from Turkey and China.
BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi countered Opposition claims, stating that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had already expressed willingness to hold discussions and emphasized that the Business Advisory Committee would decide on the schedule.
Samajwadi MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq said the Opposition had already held an internal meeting to identify key issues for debate.
Aviation Safety: Government Explains Protocol Post-Air India Incident
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu addressed the Rajya Sabha regarding the recent Air India incident in Ahmedabad. He clarified that India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) had promptly launched an inquiry aligned with international protocols. For the first time, India aims to decode the black box data domestically instead of sending it overseas, reflecting growing technical independence.
However, Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha criticized the state of aviation regulation in India, alleging that the DGCA was underfunded, understaffed, and lacked the autonomy necessary to regulate a rapidly expanding sector.
What Lies Ahead
The Lok Sabha is scheduled to reconvene at noon. With both sides firm on their stances, the coming days of the Monsoon Session promise intense debates on national security, electoral integrity, military strength, and civil aviation safety. (Edited & inputs from IANS X posts)
