Centre ‘willing’ to discuss all issues as Opposition raises Trump claims, Pahalgam, Bihar poll rolls

A stormy monsoon session of Parliament is on the cards as the Opposition prepares to corner the Modi government on multiple fronts, ranging from national security and foreign affairs to electoral transparency and the situation in Manipur. The session begins on Monday.

After the customary all-party meeting held on Sunday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju signalled that the government was open to discussions on key matters, including Operation Sindoor.

“We are open to discussions on all important issues like Operation Sindoor. These are matters of great national significance. The government is not shying away from debate, but it must happen under the rules and procedures laid down by Parliament,” Rijiju said.

However, he refrained from commenting on the recent controversial remarks made by US President Donald Trump, saying it was not the appropriate forum. “Whether it’s the US President or anyone else, I cannot respond here. When we take up the discussion in Parliament, our stand will be made clear,” he added.

The Opposition, meanwhile, has made it clear that it would leave no stone unturned in targeting the Centre. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said there was a strong expectation this time that Prime Minister Modi would address Parliament on a range of issues. “There are three key matters that require the PM’s direct intervention — the Pahalgam attack and the claims made by the J&K Lieutenant Governor, the US President’s comments that question the dignity of our armed forces, and the ongoing concerns over voting rights and transparency in the electoral process,” Gogoi said.

He also raised concerns over the evolving security scenario along India’s borders. “Our senior Army officers have spoken about the formation of a two-front axis between China, Pakistan and even Bangladesh. It is vital the Prime Minister speaks on our defence and foreign policy priorities,” he added.

The Congress also plans to raise the issue of Manipur, pointing out that despite the Prime Minister’s assurance that peace would return soon, the state remained volatile. “It’s been more than two years and peace still eludes Manipur. The PM finds time to visit small foreign nations, but not this small but burning state of our own country,” Gogoi said.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh, whose party has formally exited the INDIA bloc, said his party would raise several issues, including the US President’s claims on the ceasefire, Operation Sindoor and alleged voter list irregularities in Bihar. “Trump says he brokered a ceasefire in the name of a trade deal. That is a serious issue of national sovereignty. Why is our government silent? We will demand a response from the Prime Minister,” Singh said. He also flagged issues such as school closures in Uttar Pradesh, the pending Air Force crash probe and the use of bulldozers against street vendors in Delhi.

With such a long list of contentious issues, the government may face stiff resistance in both Houses. Rijiju, however, said the government wanted the House to function smoothly and appealed to all parties to cooperate. “It is the duty of both the ruling side and the Opposition to ensure Parliament runs effectively. The PM has spent the most time in the House compared to his predecessors, except when he is on official duty. Targeting him every time is not appropriate,” he said.

With the first day expected to set the tone, all eyes will be on how both sides engage — whether Parliament will be allowed to function or get consumed by yet another cycle of walkouts, adjournments and sharp political exchanges.

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