Key Highlights
- Government agrees to a full-scale debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ after opposition pressure during Monsoon Session.
- 32 hours of discussion allotted: 16 hours each in Lok Sabha (July 28) and Rajya Sabha (July 29).
- Earlier proposal for July 24 was rejected as PM Modi will be abroad.
- Opposition lists 8 major issues to challenge the government, with Operation Sindoor topping the list.
- Government prepares aggressive counter strategy led by Defense Ministry and military leadership.
New Delhi: The ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament has seen heated confrontations and repeated disruptions, largely over the opposition’s demand to hold a full-fledged debate on ‘Operation Sindoor’ and related defense and national security matters. The central government has now agreed to those demands setting up 32 hours of extensive discussions across both houses next week.
🗓️ Debate Timeline:
- Lok Sabha: Monday, July 28, with a 16-hour discussion window
- Rajya Sabha: Tuesday, July 29, with another 16 hours allocated
This marks one of the longest single-topic debates in recent parliamentary history, highlighting the operation’s serious political and strategic implications.
What Is ‘Operation Sindoor’?
While full details of Operation Sindoor remain classified, it reportedly involved coordinated cross-border strikes, strategic troop movements, and high-risk intelligence-based interventions in a conflict-prone region. The opposition has accused the government of failing to maintain transparency around key aspects of the operation, a controversial ceasefire clause, and possible procedural/moral lapses.
The name ‘Sindoor’, symbolizing sacrifice and valor, has sparked charged political rhetoric, with the opposition linking it to rising tensions in conflict zones and the Pahalgam terror attack.
Why Was July 24 Rejected?
The opposition had demanded a discussion on July 24, but the government resisted, citing the foreign travel schedule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a compromise, July 28 and 29 were fixed to ensure the Prime Minister and senior ministers could participate if required.
Earlier, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) had agreed to a 25-hour discussion across both houses, but this was later extended to 32 hours after demands from multiple opposition parties.
Top Issues to Dominate the Debate
The Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc comprising 24 opposition parties — held virtual consultations ahead of the Monsoon Session. They plan to raise 8 key issues, notably:
- Operation Sindoor
- Pahalgam terrorist attack
- Ceasefire terms and military rules of engagement
- Voter list revision in Bihar
- Economic disparities
- Border incursions
- Farmer issues
- Unemployment and inflation
Government Prepares Aggressive Counter Strategy
Anticipating a fierce confrontation, the government has held multiple high-level meetings involving:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Anil Chauhan
- Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
- Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force
Sources indicate that these back-to-back meetings were focused on aligning facts, counter narratives, and data points to effectively rebut the opposition and showcase Operation Sindoor as a success not a failure.
Opposition Demands Weekly BAC Meetings
As part of parliamentary reforms, the opposition has demanded that the Business Advisory Committee meet weekly during ongoing sessions to enable smoother scheduling, open dialogue, and inclusion of diverse voices in agenda-setting.
What to Expect in the Debate
This intensely watched session of Parliament is expected to feature:
- High-voltage exchanges between ruling and opposition benches
- Defense revelations and strategic disclosures (carefully vetted)
- Calls for greater transparency in defense operations and parliamentary oversight
- Strong defenses from the government linking military actions to national pride and security
The upcoming 32-hour debate on Operation Sindoor promises to be one of the defining moments of the Monsoon Session 2025. It’s a rare opportunity for both the government and the opposition to engage in a comprehensive conversation on national security, transparency, military action, and democratic accountability.
