New Delhi (National Times): As Parliament gears up for the Monsoon session, a high-level all-party meeting convened by the Centre on Sunday turned into a forum for pointed opposition concerns. Leaders from across the political spectrum flagged critical issues, including alleged irregularities in Bihar’s voter list revision, the recent terrorist strike in Pahalgam, and controversial statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a purported India-Pakistan ceasefire.
While the central government urged all parties to extend their cooperation for the efficient functioning of the upcoming session, opposition leaders pushed for accountability and clarity on a range of matters.
Speaking to the press following the meeting, Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi demanded a direct address from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several issues, particularly Trump’s assertion that he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, security lapses in the Pahalgam incident, and procedural concerns tied to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Echoing similar concerns, Aam Aadmi Party’s Sanjay Singh highlighted what he termed a “scam” surrounding the SIR process, warning it could undermine democratic participation. He also criticized the silence around Trump’s controversial comments. Singh reiterated that the INDIA alliance, of which AAP is a part, remains focused solely on the national elections, with AAP contesting state polls independently.
Meanwhile, Biju Janata Dal’s Sasmit Patra drew attention to disturbing developments in Odisha, pointing to the death of a student by self-immolation and the brutal assault of a teenage girl. He described the situation as a “total breakdown” of law and order and insisted that the Centre must not shirk its role in addressing internal security concerns.
The meeting was presided over by Union Minister and Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, J.P. Nadda, and included Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and MoS Arjun Ram Meghwal. Notable opposition leaders in attendance included Congress’ Jairam Ramesh, NCP’s Supriya Sule, DMK’s T.R. Baalu, and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale of the RPI (A).
Opposition members under the INDIA bloc have pledged to confront the government on three major fronts during the Monsoon session: the unresolved aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, the implications of Trump’s ceasefire claims, and the alleged disenfranchisement risks posed by the Bihar voter roll revision.
