NEW DELHI, July 21 — The first day of the Monsoon Session in the Lok Sabha was marred by repeated adjournments as opposition members staged noisy protests demanding a discussion on Operation Sindoor, India’s military retaliation against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The House was first adjourned till noon soon after it convened and paid obituary references. The protests intensified through the day, forcing two more adjournments — first till 2 pm, and then till 4 pm — as the Opposition remained adamant.
Congress-led opposition members rose to their feet, demanding that the government allow an immediate discussion. Speaker Om Birla, however, maintained that the matter could be raised after the Question Hour. “I am ready to allow discussion on all issues, including Operation Sindoor, at the appropriate time,” he said. But his assurance failed to pacify the protesting MPs.
Outside Parliament, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi slammed the government, saying, “Their people are allowed to speak. But Opposition members, including me, are not. This is their new approach.”
Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar said he would ensure a “full-fledged discussion” on Operation Sindoor. The issue was raised in the House by LoP Mallikarjun Kharge, who also referred to the US President’s remark on mediating between India and Pakistan, calling it “humiliating.” In response, Leader of the House JP Nadda affirmed that the government is prepared to present all details of the operation before the nation.
Despite assurances, tensions remained high across both Houses, setting a combative tone for the session.
