Odisha Congress Urges Comprehensive Debate on Operation Sindoor Following PM's Address

The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has expressed dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent address following Operation Sindoor. They argue that the speech did not provide enough clarity for the public and are calling for a special parliamentary session to ensure greater transparency. OPCC president Bhakta Charan Das emphasised the need for the nation to understand any shifts in foreign policy, particularly regarding third-party involvement in India-Pakistan relations.

Das refrained from criticising Modi directly but highlighted that many questions remain unanswered. He stressed the importance of knowing whether the government permits external intervention in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir issue. "I do not want to make any adverse comment on the statement of the Prime Minister, but a lot of things remained untold. The country should know whether the government allows third-party intervention into the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir issue. We have suddenly withdrawn when our Armed Forces are all set to fight," Das stated.

Foreign Policy Concerns

Reflecting on past leadership, Das mentioned that former Prime Ministers, from Jawahar Lal Nehru to Chandrasekhar, made tough decisions during critical times. He questioned the rationale behind the sudden withdrawal, suggesting it undermines national pride. "This decision has weakened us, impacted the nation’s pride. The Prime Minister in his speech has not addressed these issues. Therefore, a healthy debate is required. This is possible if a special session of Parliament is convened," he added.

On a different note, BJP MP Sujeet Kumar praised Modi for his firm stance against Pakistan's tactics. Kumar appreciated Modi's assertion that terrorism and dialogue, as well as terrorism and trade, cannot coexist. "The PM has also said that blood and water also cannot flow together," Kumar remarked, highlighting Modi's efforts to counter Pakistan's "nuclear" threats.

Call for Parliamentary Debate

The OPCC's call for a parliamentary session aims to foster open discussion on these critical issues. They believe such a platform would allow for a comprehensive debate on India's foreign policy direction and its implications for national security and pride.

As discussions continue, it remains essential for the government to address public concerns transparently. Ensuring clarity on foreign policy decisions is crucial for maintaining trust and confidence among citizens.

With inputs from PTI