 "Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2025-26, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and others look on in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi. PTI")
The Centre on Sunday indicated it was open to discussing Operation Sindoor—India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack—in Parliament, and suggested it may also address US President Donald Trump’s recent claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was prepared to debate any issue of national importance during the monsoon session, which begins Monday.
“We are open to discussing key issues such as Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam attack. These matters concern the nation deeply, and the government won’t shy away from debate,” Rijiju said after an all-party meeting.
The meeting, attended by 54 leaders from across parties, saw demands from the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Left, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (UBT) for a discussion on the operation. Interestingly, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde—part of the ruling NDA—also backed a debate, according to two leaders present.
The Congress has specifically demanded a statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the House, covering both the operation and Trump’s remarks.
“We hope the Prime Minister speaks in Parliament. These are serious matters—the Pahalgam attack and the security lapse behind it. Comments from the US President raise concerns about India’s honour and the bravery of our armed forces,” said Gaurav Gogoi, Congress’s deputy leader in the Lok Sabha.
Gogoi also said the Opposition would seek answers on the ongoing voter roll revision in Bihar.
Sources said it remains unclear if the Prime Minister will respond directly, though Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to deliver a detailed statement on Operation Sindoor.