Kiren Rijiju Urges Opposition to Prioritize National Interest Ahead of Crucial ‘Operation Sindoor’ Debate

As the Indian Parliament gears up for a pivotal 16-hour discussion on ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has issued a significant appeal to the opposition. His clear message: refrain from statements that could be perceived as aligning with Pakistan’s narrative and, instead, uphold the dignity of India’s armed forces and national interest during this crucial Operation Sindoor debate.

The Call for Unity in the Operation Sindoor Debate

• Minister Rijiju’s Direct Plea: Ahead of the comprehensive debate in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Minister Rijiju implored opposition parties, particularly the Congress, to be mindful of their words. He stressed that any remarks perceived as detrimental to India’s interests could inadvertently be exploited by external adversaries, particularly Pakistan.
• Dignity of Armed Forces Paramount: A core part of his appeal centered on maintaining the sanctity and dignity of the Indian armed forces, highlighting their role in executing ‘Operation Sindoor’ – India’s decisive military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives.
• Government’s Readiness for Operation Sindoor Discussion: Rijiju reiterated the government’s consistent willingness to engage in a thorough Operation Sindoor debate. He noted that opposition parties, including the Congress, had themselves requested discussions on both ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the Pahalgam incident before the Monsoon Session commenced.

Parliamentary Dynamics and the Operation Sindoor Debate

• Agreed-Upon Discussion Schedule: It has been formally decided that the Lok Sabha will dedicate 16 hours to the Operation Sindoor debate on Monday, July 28, 2025. Following this, the Rajya Sabha will hold an equally extensive discussion, spanning 16 hours, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. This 32-hour combined discussion underscores the gravity and importance attached to the subject.
• Addressing Prior Disruptions: The Monsoon Session, since its inception on July 21, has seen considerable disruptions, impeding parliamentary business. Minister Rijiju underscored that despite the government’s readiness for debate, only one bill had been successfully passed in the first week due to persistent protests. He urged the opposition to allow the House to function smoothly, emphasizing that continuous disruptions are a loss for the entire nation.
• Prioritization of Key Issues: While acknowledging the opposition’s concerns on various matters, such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Bihar, Rijiju confirmed that the Operation Sindoor debate would be prioritized. The government, he stated, would decide on subsequent issues for discussion after the completion of this critical agenda item.

The Context: Operation Sindoor and National Security

• Retaliation to Pahalgam Attack: ‘Operation Sindoor’ represents India’s firm military retaliation, involving precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was a direct response to the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Public Mandate and PM’s Decision: Minister Rijiju highlighted that the decision to launch ‘Operation Sindoor’ through the Indian Army was in alignment with the wishes of the Indian populace, underscoring the strong public sentiment for a robust response to terrorism.
• Anticipation of Fiery Debate: With Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expected to address the Lok Sabha during the discussions, and the possibility of Prime Minister Modi’s participation, a fervent and impactful Operation Sindoor debate is highly anticipated in Parliament.

The government’s appeal signifies a push for bipartisan cooperation on matters of national security, aiming to ensure that crucial discussions on ‘Operation Sindoor’ proceed constructively and reflect a united front against threats to the nation.