INDIA To Raise 'Pahalgam Attack, Trump's Claims On Op Sindoor, Bihar Voter List' Issues In Monsoon Session

As the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins on July 21, the INDIA bloc - a coalition of 24 opposition parties - is preparing to confront the government on a range of pressing issues, including national security lapses, electoral roll controversies, and judicial accountability.

In a virtual strategy meeting, senior leaders outlined eight major concerns to be raised during the session. These include the recent Pahalgam terror attack, foreign policy setbacks, the Gaza conflict, electoral roll revision in Bihar, and rising violence against marginalized communities.

Pahalgam Attack and Foreign Policy Under Scrutiny

The opposition expressed strong dissatisfaction over the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, terming it a serious intelligence failure. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the government's silence and lack of accountability on the matter was unacceptable and called for the Prime Minister to address the nation on the issue.

The bloc also plans to question the government over former US President Donald Trump's claims of having brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan - statements that sparked political and diplomatic unease.

Bihar's Electoral Roll Revision Raises Alarm

Leaders voiced serious concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls underway in Bihar. They alleged the process is aimed at voter suppression and likened it to an "undeclared Emergency." AAP leader Abhishek Banerjee criticized the use of the Election Commission and Enforcement Directorate against opposition leaders and voters, coining it "E-square" - an authoritarian combination of two powerful institutions.

Internal Absences and Alliance Strains

While the meeting was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, key leaders such as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin were absent. Notably, the Aam Aadmi Party, a founding member of the bloc, skipped the meeting and officially exited the alliance - signaling deeper cracks within the coalition.

Judicial Allegations and Impeachment Talk

Judicial accountability was another focus. The bloc discussed the case of Justice Yashwant Varma, where burnt currency was allegedly found at his residence. They also plan to raise objections against Justice Shekhar Yadav for reported hate speech, with calls for possible impeachment proceedings.

Discontent Over Rahul Gandhi's Remarks

The CPI's D Raja indirectly criticized Rahul Gandhi for comparing the Left to the RSS during a speech in Kerala. Without naming him, Raja warned that such statements risk alienating the bloc's core supporters and damaging unity ahead of crucial elections.

A Challenging Session Ahead

Despite visible internal strains, the INDIA bloc aims to use the Monsoon Session to hold the government accountable while defending democratic values. Leaders reiterated their demand for the Prime Minister's active participation in the debates, saying the country deserves answers on key issues that impact security, democracy, and justice.