Opposition Slams Centre, Demands Special Parliament Session Over Pahalgam Attack Fallout

In a charged political development, opposition parties under the leadership of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi have announced that they will formally request a special session of Parliament to discuss the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor. This comes amid growing political tension and criticism over the government’s handling of the issue.

Twenty-Six Killed in Brutal Pahalgam Attack

The Pahalgam attack, which took place on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir, saw 26 civilians lose their lives in a gruesome act of terror. The attackers were identified as Pakistan-backed militants. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent years, has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.

In response, the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7. This operation reportedly targeted and destroyed multiple terror camps located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and within Pakistan’s borders. A ceasefire was agreed upon by both nations on May 10, but questions surrounding the initial attack remain unanswered.

Raut Criticizes Centre Over Inaction and Political Spin

Speaking to the press on Friday, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut confirmed that opposition parties will submit a formal letter to the Union government. The letter, spearheaded by Rahul Gandhi, will demand a special Parliament session focused specifically on the Pahalgam attack and India’s military response through Operation Sindoor.

“The opposition has been demanding a special session of Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Opposition parties under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi will give a letter to the government demanding a special session,” said Raut.

The seasoned politician did not hold back, launching a scathing critique of the ruling BJP government. He alleged that the six terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam attack have yet to be arrested and sarcastically suggested they may have joined the BJP.

“Terrorists may have probably joined the BJP which is why they are not being arrested. The six terrorists of Pahalgam are not being arrested because one day you will get a press note from the BJP that they have joined the party,” Raut remarked, pointing to what he termed as a dangerous trend of politicizing national security.

Demand for Accountability: Amit Shah Under Fire

Raut has consistently called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah following the Pahalgam attack. He reiterated this demand on Friday, questioning the lack of clarity on how such a large-scale terror event could occur under the current administration.

“Home Minister Amit Shah has failed to ensure the safety of our citizens. It is shocking that even after such a massacre, the government has not given clear answers. Instead, they are politicizing the military response,” Raut stated.

According to opposition leaders, the government’s emphasis on the success of Operation Sindoor does not absolve it from responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. They argue that discussions in Parliament are necessary not just for accountability but also for ensuring stronger national security mechanisms.

Operation Sindoor: Military Success or Political Deflection?

While Operation Sindoor has been hailed as a major success by the central government, opposition leaders see it differently. They claim the operation is being used to divert attention from the security failures that led to the Pahalgam attack in the first place.

“Celebrating the destruction of terror camps is not enough,” said a senior Congress leader. “What matters is that 26 innocent lives were lost. The real question is how terrorists were able to infiltrate and execute such a deadly attack inside our borders.”

A Call for Transparent Governance

The call for a special Parliament session reflects a larger demand for transparency and accountability in governance. By raising the issue formally in Parliament, the opposition aims to push the central government to answer pressing questions related to intelligence failures, delay in action, and the broader security strategy in Jammu and Kashmir.

As political momentum builds around this issue, it remains to be seen whether the government will concede to the demand for a special session. The Pahalgam attack has not only sparked national mourning but also ignited a renewed debate over how India addresses cross-border terrorism and internal security threats.

Final Thoughts

The Pahalgam attack has clearly left a deep scar on the national conscience. With pressure mounting on the Union government, the coming days are likely to see intense political discussions and possible action. Whether or not a special Parliament session is convened, the attack and its fallout are set to remain central to India’s political discourse for the foreseeable future.