New Delhi, July 28, 2025 – As political temperatures rise during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, all eyes are set on the Lok Sabha today as it opens a high-stakes 16-hour debate on Operation Sindoor, India’s bold military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The discussion, expected to be intense and emotionally charged, will continue in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow for another 16 hours.
The Centre, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is expected to initiate the debate, outlining India’s military preparedness and the circumstances leading to the swift retaliatory action carried out under Operation Sindoor. The government’s top brass — including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and key BJP MPs like Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey — are all scheduled to participate.
While the government is keen on showcasing unity against terrorism and emphasizing national security, the Opposition parties are gearing up to press for answers. Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, along with Gaurav Gogoi, Manish Tewari, Akhilesh Yadav (SP), Supriya Sule (NCP), and Abhishek Banerjee (TMC), will represent the INDIA bloc’s voice.
Background: What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor refers to India’s immediate and tactical military response following the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which left several Indian soldiers and civilians dead earlier this month. The government claimed that swift precision strikes targeted terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC), sending a strong message of zero tolerance.
The operation, named “Sindoor” to signify the blood and sacrifice of India’s martyrs, has sparked both national pride and political questioning — making it a central point of this parliamentary season.
Key Highlights of the Parliamentary Debate
- Timing & Structure: The Lok Sabha will hold a 16-hour-long discussion on Monday, July 28, with a similar format in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
- Debate Leadership: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to open the debate, with high-profile participation expected from both government and Opposition ranks.
- Opposition Demands: The Opposition has been vocal in demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence during the debate, especially given his recent international tour. So far, there’s no official confirmation on whether he will attend or speak.
- Trump’s Ceasefire Claims: One of the expected flashpoints will be repeated remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who has claimed to broker a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The Opposition is likely to press the government on this narrative and seek transparency on diplomatic interactions.
- TDP and Other Parties: Regional parties are also set to play a role, with TDP MPs Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and GM Harish Balayogi allotted 30 minutes in the debate. MPs who were part of multi-party foreign delegations to brief global leaders about Operation Sindoor will also contribute.
INDIA Bloc Strategy and Government Appeal
The Opposition bloc — under the banner of the INDIA alliance — met this morning to strategize their approach for the second week of the Monsoon session, with Operation Sindoor being the focal point. The bloc aims to present a united front and push for accountability without stalling the House.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju appealed to the Opposition not to repeat last week’s disruption patterns. “It’s a loss for the country if Parliament doesn’t function,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of a productive discussion on national security.
Why This Debate Matters
The Operation Sindoor debate isn’t just a procedural exercise; it’s a test of political maturity, national unity, and transparency in governance. While the government will attempt to project strength and decisiveness, the Opposition will likely press on unanswered questions — from intelligence failures in Pahalgam to international diplomatic clarity.
It also serves as a litmus test for how India navigates domestic security and global diplomacy in a turbulent geopolitical climate. The tone, depth, and outcomes of this debate could have long-lasting implications — not just for the Monsoon Session, but for the narrative of national security in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections.
