Parliament Set for 16-Hour Debate on Pahalgam Terror Attack and Operation Sindoor Next Week

New Delhi, July 25, 2025 — The Indian Parliament is preparing for a 16-hour-long debate in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha next week on the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor. This follows mounting pressure from the Opposition, which has demanded a clear response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter.

The Lok Sabha is scheduled to begin the discussion on July 28, followed by the Rajya Sabha on July 29, provided that the sessions proceed without disruptions. The decision comes after meetings of the Business Advisory Committees (BAC) of both Houses, where the government agreed to the structured debate. The Opposition has insisted that Prime Minister Modi be present during the discussion and respond to the House. While the government has not confirmed his participation, it has noted that Modi is expected to return from a four-day foreign tour by then.

The Opposition has been vocal since the beginning of the Monsoon Session on July 21, protesting not only the delay in addressing the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives, but also raising concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. These protests have led to repeated adjournments and little progress in parliamentary business.

The debate on Operation Sindoor is expected to draw national and international attention, with BJP leaders suggesting that it offers an opportunity for the government to outline its counter-terrorism stance and strategic response to cross-border threats. Operation Sindoor was launched as a retaliatory measure following the Pahalgam massacre, escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.

The discussions also carry political weight, as they coincide with a period of heightened scrutiny of the government’s handling of internal security and electoral transparency. Congress’ deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha, Pramod Tiwari, claimed that the government had assured the Opposition that the Prime Minister would be present during the debate. However, no official confirmation has yet been made.

This will be the first significant discussion in Rajya Sabha after Jagdeep Dhankhar stepped down as vice president and ex officio chairman of the House. His resignation followed a brief political controversy involving rescheduling of meetings due to key ministers’ absence, which led Dhankhar to cite health reasons for his decision.

While the government has agreed to the debate on Operation Sindoor, it has not accepted the Opposition’s demand for discussion on other pressing issues like the Bihar electoral roll revision. The final agenda for the remaining session days remains to be decided in upcoming BAC meetings.