Amid ongoing developments following Operation Sindoor, Karnataka Minister and senior Congress leader Priyank Kharge has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach, emphasizing the need for dialogue within the country and calling for greater transparency in the aftermath of India’s military action against Pakistan.
Kharge criticized the Prime Minister’s decision to address the nation via monologue, stating:
“While the PM is ready to talk to every world leader about Pakistan, he should also address his own countrymen and engage with other political parties. It has been over a fortnight, and the PM chooses monologue over dialogue.”
Congress Supports Anti-Terror Operations, Demands Dialogue
Despite his critique, Kharge affirmed the Congress party’s support for any decisive national action in the interest of security:
“Congress is clear that it will stand by the government for any decisive decision in the interest of the country. We have asked for an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament.”
Kharge stressed that terrorism knows no ceasefire and that the fight against it must continue vigorously:
“Terrorism does not understand ceasefire. Whatever preparations we are doing as a nation to combat terrorism should go ahead with full flow.”
US Mediation Sparks Political Debate
The political discourse intensified after US President Donald Trump claimed that American mediation had played a pivotal role in brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence.”
Congress leaders Priyank Kharge and Pawan Khera expressed strong reservations over this claim.
“This is nothing but interference in a bilateral issue,” said Kharge, also pointing out that the Pakistan PM claimed victory and held a parliament session, while India’s PM remained silent.
Pawan Khera echoed Kharge’s concerns:
“It is unprecedented that we get to know about the ceasefire from the American President… The country deserves to know what it has achieved and what it has lost… the victims of Pahalgam would also like to know whether justice has been served to them or not.”
Background: Operation Sindoor and the Ceasefire
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, following the May 2 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. The Indian military retaliated by striking nine terror launchpads deep inside Pakistan. Pakistan responded with artillery and drone-based escalations, particularly in areas like Samba.
Eventually, both nations agreed to a ceasefire, which was reportedly facilitated through international backchannels, though India has not officially acknowledged any third-party mediation.
Congress Demands Special Parliamentary Session
With questions mounting over the handling of post-operation diplomacy and intelligence sharing with the public, the Congress party has demanded a special session of Parliament and an all-party meeting.
Their central demands include:
- A briefing on the objectives and outcomes of Operation Sindoor
- Clarification on foreign involvement or mediation
- A comprehensive update on terrorism countermeasures post-ceasefire
- Justice for victims of the Pahalgam attack