India Bloc to Raise Pahalgam Attack and Trump's Ceasefire Claims in Parliament

During the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament, the INDIA bloc parties plan to address several pressing issues. These include the Pahalgam attack, US President Donald Trump's claims about mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, and concerns over electoral roll revisions in Bihar. The opposition aims to highlight these matters to hold the government accountable.

The leaders of 24 opposition parties convened online ahead of the session starting on July 21. They discussed eight major issues, including foreign policy failures and atrocities in Gaza. Concerns about delimitation exercises and targeting of marginalised groups were also raised. Congress deputy leader Pramod Tiwari emphasised the importance of the prime minister's presence in Parliament to address these issues.

Focus on Electoral Roll Revisions

One significant concern is the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Opposition parties allege this threatens voting rights in the state. Tiwari highlighted that this issue, along with others like Operation Sindoor and Trump's ceasefire claims, will be raised during the session. He criticised what he described as an undeclared Emergency affecting democracy.

The absence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from the meeting was noted, as they have distanced themselves from the bloc. Despite this, leaders from various parties, including Congress, TMC, DMK, and others, participated in discussions. Notable absentees included West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Concerns Over Foreign Policy

Opposition leaders expressed dissatisfaction with India's foreign policy under the current government. They believe the prime minister should be accountable for these issues. Additionally, there are concerns about delimitation and discrimination against SCs, STs, women, and minorities.

Tiwari mentioned that an in-person meeting of bloc leaders is planned soon. The online meeting was described as cordial and focused on addressing concerns affecting 140 crore people in India. The opposition hopes for a functioning Parliament to raise these issues effectively.

Unity Among Opposition Parties

Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge emphasised unity among opposition parties during their remarks. They warned against attempts by the ruling party to divide them for political gain. The impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma is another topic expected to be discussed during the session.

The opposition also plans to press for action against Justice Shekhar Yadav, who faces a pending removal notice in the Rajya Sabha since December 2024. Last year, opposition MPs submitted an impeachment notice against him for allegedly delivering a hate speech.

Additional Issues on Agenda

Other issues include restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, addressing farmers' problems, unemployment, and rising prices. The opposition aims to bring these matters to the forefront during the Monsoon session.

CPI leader D Raja reportedly raised concerns about Rahul Gandhi's recent comments linking the Left with RSS at an event in Kerala. Such statements could send wrong signals to Left cadres across India and should be avoided.

The INDIA bloc's efforts aim to convey unity among opposition parties while holding the government accountable for various national issues during Parliament's Monsoon session.

With inputs from PTI