New Delhi, July 28, 2025 – The Lok Sabha is set for a charged and extended session today as Parliament holds a crucial debate on Operation Sindoor, India’s direct military response to the devastating Pahalgam terror attack earlier this month. In what promises to be a historic moment in the Monsoon Session of Parliament, lawmakers across the political spectrum will participate in a 16-hour discussion in the Lower House, followed by an equal-duration debate in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
The special debate was greenlit by the Business Advisory Committee, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that while the Opposition had listed various concerns, all parties unanimously agreed to prioritize Operation Sindoor for the first comprehensive debate of the session.
What Is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was launched as an immediate military countermeasure following the July terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of Indian security personnel and civilians. The operation involved swift cross-border targeting of identified terror infrastructure and safe havens. The operation has been hailed as decisive by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and questioned for transparency and diplomacy by the Opposition INDIA bloc.
What’s Happening in Parliament?
- Debate Timing: The Lok Sabha debate will span 16 hours on Monday, with a matching session scheduled in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
- Lead Speaker: According to PTI, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will open the debate. He is expected to lay out the strategic framework, operational success, and political rationale behind Operation Sindoor.
- Other Government Voices: Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and senior BJP MPs Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey are also scheduled to speak.
- Prime Minister’s Involvement: While there is growing buzz that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may address the House during the debate, no official confirmation has been given. Modi recently returned from a two-nation diplomatic visit and has faced mounting pressure to speak in Parliament.
Opposition Gears Up for a Showdown
The INDIA bloc, representing a united front of major Opposition parties, is approaching the debate with a demand for clarity and accountability. Prominent speakers from their side include:
- Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition
- Gaurav Gogoi and Manish Tewari (Congress)
- Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party)
- Supriya Sule (NCP)
- Abhishek Banerjee (Trinamool Congress)
The INDIA bloc leaders met at 10 AM today to finalize their joint strategy for the debate. The key issues expected to be raised include:
- The lack of prior intelligence to prevent the Pahalgam attack
- Details of military operations conducted during Operation Sindoor
- Former US President Donald Trump’s controversial claim of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which has been repeatedly questioned by Opposition leaders
- Diplomatic repercussions of the operation and whether Parliament was consulted adequately
TDP and Regional Voices
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has also been allotted 30 minutes to speak. MPs Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and GM Harish Balayogi are expected to represent the party’s stance. The TDP has maintained a centrist position, emphasizing national security while calling for bipartisan unity in dealing with cross-border terrorism.
Rijiju’s Appeal for Orderly Debate
Speaking ahead of the session, Kiren Rijiju urged the Opposition to maintain the decorum of Parliament and not stall proceedings. The first week of the Monsoon session was marred by repeated adjournments and protests.
“It’s a loss for the country if Parliament doesn’t function,” Rijiju said. “We must debate, disagree, and deliver — not disrupt.”
International Outreach and Diplomacy
As part of its outreach following the attack and Operation Sindoor, the Indian government had dispatched multi-party delegations to several countries to share factual briefings and rally diplomatic support. NDA leaders who were part of those delegations are also expected to speak during the debate, highlighting the international narrative around the operation and India’s position on cross-border terrorism.
Why This Debate Matters
The Operation Sindoor discussion goes beyond military engagement — it’s a test of India’s internal political unity during a time of external crisis. It’s also an important opportunity for citizens to witness their representatives engage in a national security dialogue — an issue that touches every Indian.
The outcome of this debate may shape India’s defence policy narrative heading into a crucial electoral year in 2026. With political alliances sharpening their messages, today’s debate is likely to have long-term implications — both for how India handles terror threats and how politics navigates national tragedies.
