Key Points:
- Repeated adjournments plagued both houses, as Opposition protests over Bihar’s SIR process overshadowed the scheduled debate on Operation Sindoor.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh detailed India’s lightning 22-minute military strike, claiming seven out of nine terror camps destroyed in PoK.
- Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi sharply questioned operational transparency, alleged intelligence lapses, and the true extent of success.
- S. Jaishankar directly refuted US President Trump’s mediation claims in Parliament, insisting there was no such trade-ceasefire link.
- BJP defended military action, accusing the Opposition of demoralizing the army and giving political ammo to Pakistan.
- Rajya Sabha Operation Sindoor debate postponed to July 29 after repeated disruptions; upper house adjourned for the day.
- Crucial national security, intelligence, and diplomatic issues spotlighted; PM Modi expected to address Parliament in ongoing debate.
New Delhi: A turbulent day unfolded in the Indian Parliament as the much-anticipated debate on Operation Sindoor India’s powerful military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror massacre was repeatedly halted by fierce Opposition protests, resulting in multiple adjournments and the complete washout of the Rajya Sabha session.
Chaotic Morning: Bihar SIR Sparks Uproar
Proceedings began amid uproar, with Opposition MPs demanding immediate discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls, which they branded an “attack on democracy.” Top leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav led the protest, waving banners and shouting slogans that forced three Lok Sabha adjournments before noon and eventual full-day adjournment in the Rajya Sabha.
- Speaker Om Birla tried in vain to restore order, challenging the Opposition: “Do you want a debate on Operation Sindoor or not?” He accused them of reneging on pre-session agreements to hold a debate on the crucial anti-terror operation.
Debate Begins: Rajnath Singh Details Operation
Despite the disruptions, the afternoon finally saw Defence Minister Rajnath Singh open the Operation Sindoor debate. In a measured but tough address, Singh revealed:
- The operation lasted just 22 minutes, with Indian forces targeting nine terror installations, seven of which were “completely destroyed.”
- Proof exists of damage inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan itself.
- India’s strikes were “non-escalatory” and calibrated to avoid broader conflict.
- India’s air defences successfully foiled Pakistan’s response.
The Defence Minister also stressed the government’s commitment to national security, crediting swift intelligence-sharing and military precision for minimizing Indian casualties.
Opposition Fires Back: Transparency Demanded
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi delivered a blistering attack, questioning:
- How terrorists in military uniforms infiltrated so deeply into Baisaran, Pahalgam.
- Why key suspects remain at large more than 100 days later.
- Whether India lost fighter jets and the total casualties sustained.
- Why India agreed to a ceasefire if, as claimed, Pakistan signalled willingness to surrender.
Gogoi dubbed the NDA “a cowardly government,” demanding full disclosure of operational details and accusing them of “managing headlines, but not national security.”
Diplomatic Crossfire: Jaishankar Denies Trump Mediation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed Parliament to directly counter US President Donald Trump’s claim that he “mediated” the ceasefire with India:
- “No call took place between PM Modi and President Trump from April 22 to June 17,” Jaishankar confirmed.
- He categorically denied any link between US-India trade talks and the ceasefire decision.
- Jaishankar also criticized the Opposition for previously seeking strategic briefings from the Chinese Ambassador at the time of the Doklam standoff.
BJP Hits Back: Anurag Thakur Challenges Opposition Patriots
BJP MP Anurag Thakur passionately accused the Opposition of:
- “Speaking in Pakistan’s language” by doubting the military’s achievements.
- Refusing to celebrate the destruction of enemy camps and downed enemy aircraft.
- Ignoring the bravery and effectiveness of the Indian armed forces during the operation.
More Drama: Rajya Sabha Debate Deferred, Government Decries “Runaway” Opposition
With the upper house repeatedly disrupted, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju slammed the Opposition for “running away” from their own demand for an Operation Sindoor discussion, after a 16-hour format had been agreed to by all parties. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned for the day with the Sindoor debate rescheduled for July 29.
Key Issues Raised:
- National Security: Serious concerns aired about possible intelligence failures, Indian casualties, and why action was halted.
- Diplomatic Tightrope: Sharp focus on Trump’s claims, the level of international support, and China’s role.
- Parliamentary Process: Accusations of bad faith, with both sides charging each other with disrespect to procedure and the armed forces.
The Road Ahead
The historic and contentious debate on Operation Sindoor a defining episode in India’s anti-terror policy is set to continue in both houses, with PM Modi expected to personally intervene. As tempers flare and divisions deepen, the session laid bare the complex interplay of security, diplomacy, and robust democratic questioning in the world’s largest democracy.
Expect high stakes, fiery exchanges, and crucial insights when the Rajya Sabha reconvenes for this landmark debate on July 29.
