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EYE ON INDIA AUGUST 01, 2025 | The Indian Eye 8

Government Stands Firm Ahead of Operation

Sindoor Debate: Prepared, Not Cornered

With a full-fledged discussion scheduled and top ministers lined up to speak,

the Centre is signaling one thing loud and clear — it’s not backing down.

OUR BUREAU
New Delhi

mid growing opposition demands for ac-
countability and clarity over recent national
Asecurity operations, the government has an-
nounced a 32-hour, two-day debate in both Houses
of Parliament dedicated to Operation Sindoor. The
move, following days of deadlock and disruption
in the Monsoon Session, reflects the government’s
strategic confidence and refusal to be caught off
guard.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will
open the discussion in the Lok Sabha on Monday,
July 28, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishan-
kar and Home Minister Amit Shah are expected
to join in. The Prime Minister is likely to intervene
during the debate — in both Lok Sabha and Rajya
Sabha — a rare and symbolic gesture underscoring
the issue’s significance.
“We are not avoiding anything,” Parliamen-
tary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju told reporters.
“Operation Sindoor will be debated for 16 hours
in each House. We have met the opposition’s de-
mands — now we expect cooperation.”
The decision was finalized after an all-party
meeting led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla last
Friday, where leaders agreed to prioritise Opera-
tion Sindoor over other contentious issues. Rijiju
confirmed that topics like the Pahalgam terror
attack, Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls in
Bihar, and foreign policy concerns raised by oppo- Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrives to attend the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi
sition parties would be taken up later.
The government’s message is calculated: it is on Wednesday (ANI Photo/Rahul Singh)
not avoiding scrutiny, but it also won’t allow Par-
liament to descend into chaos. In recent days, ses- and Rajiv Rai will speak, while the TDP has nomi- litical theatrics,” and reassert control over a Parlia-
sions have seen frequent adjournments as opposi- nated Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu and GM Har- ment that has seen more disruption than dialogue.
tion MPs protested and displayed banners inside ish Balayogi, who have been allotted 30 minutes. The fact that the Prime Minister may intervene
the chambers. According to sources, BJP MPs have been suggests that the government views this debate as
Speaker Birla, urging decorum, warned that briefed thoroughly and provided data sheets to more than routine — it is a high-stakes political
“the stalemate is not good for the country.” He counter opposition claims. The expected line of de- moment, with potential impact on public opinion
encouraged both sides to allow discussions under fence will focus on the planning, execution, and stra- ahead of upcoming state elections.
proper parliamentary norms. tegic impact of Operation Sindoor, highlighting In- With just days left in the Monsoon Session,
“We have agreed to discuss what they asked dia’s growing global coordination on security issues. Operation Sindoor may become the centerpiece of
for,” Rijiju reiterated. “They cannot keep moving There is also anticipation around the govern- parliamentary discourse — not just because of its
the goalposts.” ment’s response to US President Donald Trump’s content, but because of how it is handled. The gov-
By scheduling a structured debate, the Centre claims about mediating between India and Pakistan. ernment, by offering a full debate and mobilizing
is reframing the political narrative. Instead of be- The external affairs team is likely to address these its top leadership, is challenging the opposition to
ing on the defensive, it is projecting authority and remarks carefully, placing them in the broader con- engage on substance rather than slogans.
preparedness — fielding its top ministers, aligning text of Indian sovereignty and bilateral diplomacy. “They wanted a discussion. We gave them the
with parliamentary rules, and allocating ample For the opposition, Operation Sindoor offers floor,” said a senior BJP strategist. “Now let’s see
time for dissent and dialogue. an opening to question the government on matters who has the facts, and who has just noise.”
In addition to the heavyweights from the BJP, of transparency, security communication, and for- As Parliament reconvenes on Monday, the na-
key opposition figures are also expected to join the eign influence. For the ruling NDA, it is a moment tion will be watching — not just for what is said, but
debate. From the Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav to consolidate public trust, counter what it calls “po- for how democracy debates.

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