PM Urged to Address Key National Concerns in Parliament
As the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins, opposition parties have demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally respond to pressing national issues raised during the all-party meeting held a day earlier. The opposition cited three main concerns: former US President Donald Trump’s claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the April Pahalgam terror attack, and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Congress, AAP, DMK, and others, insisted that these matters required immediate and transparent discussion in the House.
Trump’s Ceasefire Remark Sparks Uproar
The opposition criticised the Modi government for its silence on Trump’s recent public claim that he played a role in brokering a ceasefire during the India-Pakistan standoff earlier this year. They demanded that the Prime Minister clarify whether such foreign involvement occurred, and if so, under what terms.
The issue, tied to the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, has triggered concerns about national sovereignty and India’s diplomatic stance.
Pahalgam Attack Still Unanswered
The April terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in civilian casualties, also came under scrutiny. Opposition leaders accused the government of intelligence failure and called for a detailed statement on the operational lapses and the current status of the investigation into the attackers.
Concerns Over Voter Roll Revisions in Bihar
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar was flagged as another critical issue. Several parties raised alarm over sudden deletions and unverified additions, arguing that it could lead to mass voter suppression. The AAP and others alleged that the SIR may be a precursor to an NRC-style exercise targeting marginalised populations.
Government Assures Open Discussion
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju assured that the government was open to debating all the issues raised, including foreign policy, security operations, and electoral reforms. He said the discussions would proceed as per parliamentary procedure and within the scheduled framework of the Monsoon Session.
Tense Session Expected
The Monsoon Session, beginning July 21, is set to be dominated by debates over national security, electoral transparency, and foreign policy conduct. With the opposition united on several demands, political observers expect charged exchanges and possible disruptions in both Houses.
