16 Opposition Parties Demand Special Parliament Session in Letter to PM Modi

National News: Sixteen opposition parties, united under the INDIA bloc, sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to call a special Parliament session. The demand focuses on discussing the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire. Leaders from parties like Congress, Trinamool Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Shiv Sena signed the letter, showing a collective push for national unity and action against terrorism.

Why the Session Matters

The opposition wants Parliament to come together to honor the 26 victims of the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack and applaud the armed forces for Operation Sindoor, India’s military response on May 7. The session would also address the ceasefire announced first by the US and later by India and Pakistan on May 10. Leaders like Congress’s Jairam Ramesh and TMC’s Derek O’Brien stressed that such a session would show India’s resolve against terrorism and allow open talks on security and peace strategies.

Who’s Involved

The letter, signed by over 200 MPs, includes support from parties like Rashtriya Janata Dal, DMK, National Conference, and others. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Communist Party of India (CPI) skipped the June 3 meeting in Delhi due to scheduling conflicts, though DMK missed it for unrelated reasons. Key leaders like Congress’s Deepender Hooda, SP’s Ramgopal Yadav, and RJD’s Manoj Jha attended, pushing for the session to be held in June after multi-party delegations return from global anti-terrorism talks.

Challenges and Context

Since April, opposition leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have urged Modi to convene Parliament, criticizing his absence from an all-party meeting on the Pahalgam attack. The government has yet to respond, raising doubts about whether the session will happen. Some opposition parties also want to discuss broader issues like security lapses and India’s anti-terrorism stance, making the session a potential platform for heated debates.

Looking Ahead

The opposition’s united demand shows their determination to address critical national issues in Parliament. A special session could strengthen India’s message against terrorism and honor its heroes. As the nation waits for Modi’s response, the call for unity remains strong, with hopes that Parliament will rise to the occasion.