The Monsoon Session of Parliament has begun, extending through August 21, spanning 32 days. Both houses will be adjourned from August 12 to 17 for Independence Day celebrations on August 15. Amid this schedule, the first day in Parliament seemed to be overshadowed by an uproar concerning the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindur. As the Lok Sabha session commenced with Question Hour, the opposition created a commotion, leading Speaker Om Birla to adjourn proceedings until noon. Once resumed, opposition members gathered in the well of the House, and Rahul Gandhi attempted to speak on Operation Sindur but was not allowed amid the din.
Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of the House J.P. Nadda engaged in a heated debate, resulting in the session being adjourned twice.
Prior to this, the central government had to prepare for discussions on Operation Sindur in Parliament. Though, there seemed to be no other path. During previous special sessions dubbed as such, the government pursued its own agenda. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge continually wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the government remained unresponsive.
Support for the government came with former Defense Minister Sharad Pawar stepping forward. Additional backing arrived when Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party and Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress initially did not prioritize Congress's demand. However, both parties eventually signed the request for the special session alongside 16 other parties, except Sharad Pawar withheld his support, and Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party distanced itself from the India Bloc, affecting the opposition coalition negatively.
The opposition's agenda is clear, and the government has prepared to introduce 17 bills. With a majority, it is poised to pass revisions; the necessary parliamentary committees will be available if needed.
The opposition had made its stance clear, and the government gathered feedback at an all-party meeting. Consequently, before the session commenced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his perspective on Operation Sindur. Outside the chambers, within the Parliament complex, PM Modi expressed, "This Monsoon Session is a celebration of victory… The entire world witnessed the might of India’s military."
Referring to the response to the June 22 Pahalgam attack, Modi stated, "Operation Sindur achieved its objectives 100%. Within 22 minutes, the operation leveled the terrorists' strongholds. As I announced in Bihar’s program, our military strength demonstrated proficiency in record time… Captivating the world with Make in India military power's new form."
Before Modi's address, the Congress leaders' sarcastic remarks and demands began surfacing. Jairam Ramesh ridiculed before Modi’s speech, while Pramod Tiwari reiterated the need for discussions on Pahalgam and Operation Sindur.
Following the all-party meeting held before the session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju mentioned the government is prepared to discuss significant issues like Operation Sindur. He remarked, "These are national importance issues, the government is not stepping back, and will never do so… Always open for discussions within rules and traditions."
The Congress had already submitted notices for their demands. Randeep Surjewala requested the suspension of Zero Hour for discussions on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindur, whereas Manickam Tagore separately addressed notices regarding the Pahalgam incident, Operation Sindur, and Donald Trump's claims.
Additionally, the opposition desires discussion on the Election Commission’s SIR near Bihar elections, but they emphasize debating Donald Trump's ceasefire claims.
During Operation Sindur, American President first mentioned the ceasefire agreement, spurring the opposition's demand for a parliamentary special session. Despite repeated clarifications from India stating the ceasefire resulted from India and Pakistan's consensus and initiated by Pakistan.
It remains to be seen how much debate occurs on Operation Sindur, as opposed to disorder.
Debates have nearly concluded on topics like Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindur, and the ceasefire. Both the government and opposition have presented their arguments. Now, it comes down to which forum it’s discussed. Parliament serves as the nation and constitution’s most significant forum. In legal proceedings, often dramatic dialogues prevail. What is said in Parliament is recorded, removing what isn’t deemed worthy.
During the all-party meeting, the opposition repeatedly demanded Prime Minister Modi's presence. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh chaired meetings regarding Operation Sindur, whereas BJP President JP Nadda led sessions on the Monsoon Session agenda.
Regardless of pandemonium or dialogue, the attention is evidently geared towards forthcoming Bihar elections. Whatever is spoken or causes uproar will be rooted in Bihar assembly election objectives, without a doubt.
It is promising that on sensitive national issues, the opposition will voice opinions, and the reason for holding the Monsoon Session will include Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address—whether or not accusations and counter-accusations reflect glimpses of Bihar's election rallies.
