New Delhi [India]: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) President Ghulam Nabi Azad on Tuesday supported the Opposition’s call for a special session of Parliament following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, asserting that such a demand is well within the Opposition’s democratic rights.
Azad noted, “It is the right of the Opposition, you cannot deny them. So far, all the political parties have given very responsible statements. There have only been talks of unity. Just a resolution has to be passed in the Parliament, so I don’t think any political party would stand against the government.”
He highlighted the unique public reaction in Kashmir to the April 22 attack, which claimed 26 lives, observing that for the first time, people took to the streets voluntarily—without political mobilisation—to condemn terrorism, including attacks on religious sites. “This time, people themselves stepped forward,” he said, pointing to a growing grassroots rejection of terrorism among Kashmiri Muslims.
Azad also criticised the limited media coverage of these protests, saying, “If the protests were covered by the media properly, Pakistan would have got a good reply. There is no sympathy left for Pakistan in the hearts of Kashmiris.”
The call for a special session has gained traction across political lines. Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad stated the party’s support for any decision taken through mutual consultation within the NDA. “JD(U) has always supported such decisions in the past. We are committed to standing with the NDA leadership on this matter,” Prasad said.
Meanwhile, key Opposition leaders have formally urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament to address national security concerns and demonstrate unified political resolve.
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, in a letter to the Prime Minister, wrote, “The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has outraged every Indian. At this critical time, India must show that we will always stand together against terrorism.” He emphasized that Parliament should provide a platform for collective resolve.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed the sentiment, writing to PM Modi to request a special session that would reflect a united stand against terrorism. He asserted that such unity is the need of the hour and would send a powerful message to the world and adversaries alike.
As calls for unity mount, the demand for a special session underscores a rare moment of bipartisan consensus in Indian politics, shaped by the national shock and grief over the Pahalgam terror attack.