India's Opposition Urges a Special Parliament Session After Pahalgam Terror Attack
Urge from Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge towards PM Modi for calling a specific Parliament session regarding the Pahalgam terror incident
New Delhi, India - Key opposition leaders, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, have implored Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call an emergency session of Parliament, seeking to showcase the nation's collective resolve and determination in the wake of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, mostly tourists[3][5].
In separate letters addressed to PM Modi, Kharge and Gandhi communicated the significance of unity and solidarity during such trying times, emphasizing the necessity of convening a special session of both Houses of Parliament at the earliest[1].
"With united resolve and will to confront the horrific terror attack in Pahalagam, the opposition believes this will be a powerful demonstration of our collective spirit as a nation," Kharge wrote in his letter[1].
Gandhi, in his communication, expressed that "India must stand together against terrorism", asserting that a special session of Parliament will represent this unity convincingly[1].
Congress party's communications department disseminated the letters on Tuesday[2].
In an additional letter to the Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi also voiced his concerns, requesting the early convocation of such a special session[2].
The Congress chief, Mallikarjun Kharge, has also called out the Prime Minister for missing the all-party meeting on Pahalgam terror attack, alleging he prioritized a political rally in Bihar over the welfare of the country[1].
Past Actions and Questions Raised:
During the earlier all-party meeting held on April 24, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and intelligence officials addressed parliamentary heads regarding the Pahalgam terror attack[4]. The government has expressed a commitment to taking strong actions in response to the killings of 26 tourists in J&K's Pahalgam[4].
However, opposition parties have probed into the security lapses that led to this tragedy[4]. Although the ruling administration has assured support for the government's actions, it remains unclear whether they will convene a special Parliament session in response to the opposition's demands[4][5].
Key Unresolved Issues in light of Opposition demands:
- Security Accountability: Addressing intelligence gaps in the wake of the attack[4]
- Policy Direction: Clear guidance on counter-terrorism measures post-attack[4]
- Symbolic Unity: Joint political condemnation of terrorism[1][3]
As of the latest reports, the government has yet to respond publicly to this proposal. The opposition is pressuring the government to address the aftermath of the attack through legislative channels, awaiting further updates on the Prime Minister's decision.
- Referenced Sources:
- Congress leaders demand special session to discuss Pahalgam terror attack
- Congress urges PM Modi for a special session of Parliament post-Pahalgam attack
- Terrorist attack in Pahalgam nearly claims 30 lives, Mallikarjun Kharge slams Modi for skipping all-party meeting on the incident
- Government and opposition parties hold emergency meeting on Pahalgam terror attack
- India reels after terror attack in one of its most popular tourist destinations, Pahalgam
- Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, key opposition leaders in India, have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an emergency session of Parliament, signaling a need for collective action following the Pahalgam terror attack.
- In separate letters, Kharge and Gandhi emphasized the importance of national unity and solidarity, arguing that a special Parliament session would demonstrate this convincingly.
- The opposition believes that a special session would be a powerful demonstration of the nation's collective spirit, as India faces the aftermath of the tragedy in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead.
- Recent media reports suggest that the government has yet to respond publicly to this proposal, leaving the opposition to pressure for legislative action in response to the attack.
- The Congress party's leaders have voiced concerns about the government's policy and legislation regarding counter-terrorism measures, including addressing intelligence gaps and providing clear guidance post-attack.
- The call for a special Parliament session is not just about symbolic unity, but also about addressing security accountability and setting a policy direction to combat terrorism in India.
