New Delhi, July 21(HS): The Monsoon Session of Parliament commenced with a heated debate between Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the House JP Nadda regarding the government's handling of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Kharge expressed serious concerns over intelligence failures and accountability, requesting a detailed discussion on the situation surrounding the attack and its aftermath. He emphasized the need for clarity on US President Donald Trump's claims of having brokered a ceasefire, stating, The terrorists responsible have neither been apprehended nor eliminated to date, and sought an explanation from the government.

In his rebuttal, Nadda affirmed the government's willingness to engage in a full debate concerning Operation Sindoor, highlighting its unprecedented nature since independence. He admonished Kharge for attempting to discuss operational specifics that, he suggested, were not pertinent to the matter at hand.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar recognized Kharge's request for a debate and urged for conversations to replace confrontations among members, asserting that internal conflicts only serve to empower enemies.Despite assurances from the Chairman, Congress MPs staged a walkout during the Question Hour following a tumultuous session.

Kharge reiterated the failure to capture or neutralize the terrorists linked to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians, thereby underscoring the government's shortcomings. Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 7 in response to the attack, aimed to dismantle cross-border terrorist operations, and a ceasefire was declared shortly thereafter.

The Lok Sabha also experienced disturbances, with Speaker Om Birla calling on MPs to participate in discussions, stressing, This is the Question Hour and the Government is willing to discuss every issue. Government leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, echoed this sentiment, yet opposition figures like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the government of stifling dissenting voices.

The session ended with palpable tension and unresolved issues, reflecting the deep political divides over national security measures.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar