GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd June: 16 opposition parties have joined hands to demand a special session of Parliament, urging the government to allow a free and fair discussion on national security and foreign policy developments following Operation Sindoor. The demand was formally conveyed in a joint letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a rare bipartisan push for accountability and open debate.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O’Brien, speaking at a press conference, emphasised that this initiative reflected consensus at the leadership level of the opposition, not merely among parliamentary functionaries. Signatories to the letter include the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, Shiv Sena (UBT), Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML), RJD, IUML, RSP, JMM, VCK, Kerala Congress, MDMK, and others.
“A free and fair discussion in Parliament is the foundation of a vibrant democracy,” said O’Brien. “The government is responsible to Parliament, and Parliament is responsible to the people.”
Though the DMK leadership could not attend the press conference due to the birth centenary celebrations of M Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu, the party reiterated its full support for the demand. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is expected to issue a separate letter backing the call for a special session.
The opposition’s push gained momentum after the recent ceasefire announcement by the United States in a conflict region. Congress MP Deepender Hooda underscored the need to recognise the valour of the armed forces in Parliament and called for a strategy to diplomatically isolate Pakistan.
“We want to thank our armed forces and understand the steps being taken for our national security,” he said.
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, echoed the sentiment:
“When the country faced a threat, we stood united. We hope the Prime Minister listens to us and doesn’t politicise this moment of national importance.”
Adding a historical dimension, RJD MP Manoj Jha referred to statements made by a foreign leader post-Operation Sindoor that, he said, required a consolidated Indian response:
“This is not about opposition or government—it’s about 140 crore Indians speaking as one nation.”
