Opposition Leader Questions Government on Pahalgam Attack During Rajya Sabha Debate
In a recent Rajya Sabha debate, opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised critical questions regarding the government's response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack. He expressed condolences to the victims' families and condemned Pakistan's support for terrorism. Kharge highlighted the lack of response to his requests for a special parliamentary session and criticized the government's failure to prevent such attacks. He demanded accountability from the Home Minister and questioned the Prime Minister's actions following the attack. The debate underscores ongoing concerns about national security and the government's handling of terrorism in the region.
| Jul 29, 2025, 16:39 IST
Debate on Operation Sindoor Raises Concerns
During a debate in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday regarding Operation Sindoor, Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the opposition, raised questions about the whereabouts of the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. Kharge began by paying tribute to the victims of the brutal terrorist incident in Pahalgam, expressing his heartfelt condolences to their families. He poignantly remarked, 'Hands adorned with henna have lifted the body of a husband, helpless children have lost their father, and we have witnessed our loved ones perish in the Pahalgam valley.'
Kharge, who is also the Congress president, condemned the horrific attack and the ongoing support provided by Pakistan to terrorists, stating that he stands with the entire nation and the house in denouncing such acts. He emphasized that while they have condemned Pakistan in the past and will continue to do so, it is disheartening to see the government engaging with them.
He further mentioned that both he and Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, had written to the Prime Minister requesting a special session of Parliament, but they received no response. In a sarcastic tone, he noted that their letters seem to be discarded without being read. 'If there is such arrogance, one day those who will break that arrogance will surely come,' he warned. 'You don’t even have time to write a couple of sentences, yet you have time to engage with the public.'
Kharge criticized the government for prioritizing election campaigns over attending important discussions in the house, questioning their commitment to the nation. He pointed out that the series of attacks, including those in Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama, and now Pahalgam, indicate a consistent failure in intelligence and national security. He demanded accountability from the Home Minister, asking who is responsible for these lapses and what corrective measures have been taken. 'If you are responsible, you should resign. If not, what actions is the Prime Minister taking?' he inquired.
He also highlighted that just three days before the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi had canceled his visit to the area. Kharge reiterated his earlier question about whether the government had prior knowledge of a potential attack. If so, he questioned why tourists were allowed to visit the region. He urged the government to acknowledge its failures in preventing terrorist attacks and to ensure accountability for the Pahalgam incident, insisting that anyone responsible should resign.