
Oppn Infighting On Display In Bid To Corner Govt On Pahalgam Attack, Bihar SIR, Dhankhar Issues
As evident in Parliament's Business Advisory Committee gathering, the challenge for the opposition INDIA bloc is to appear united
The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) in Parliament convened with a single agenda: discussing post-Operation Sindoor developments. The government agreed to allocate 16 hours for discussions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The Trinamool Congress, along with the Aam Aadmi Party, insisted there should be no resolution for the discussion. The opposition aims to corner the government on two key points during the debate: 1. Are the claims by US President Donald Trump that he brokered a ceasefire between Pakistan and India true? 2. Where are the terrorists who carried out the April 22 Pahalgam massacre?
The government did not disagree on the resolution aspect, but the opposition parties had their differences. Sources indicate that many MPs were displeased with the Congress's insistence that the PM must speak. Other opposition leaders, especially those from AAP, believed this would allow the PM to dominate the discussion for more than an hour and undermine the opposition's efforts. They preferred the Prime Minister to observe while they attacked him. However, the government has different plans, and it is expected that the PM will intervene.
The opposition aims to present a strong front but also wants to corner the government on the Bihar SIR electoral roll review issue, which is crucial for the TMC due to the upcoming West Bengal polls in 2026. It has already framed the issue as an attempt to marginalise Bengalis. Trinamool is submitting 11 notices on this matter and demands an immediate discussion.
Sources reveal that during the BAC meeting, the issue of Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation as Vice President was raised by Congress's Jairam Ramesh, questioning why he wasn't allowed to deliver a farewell speech. This drew criticism from several opposition MPs, who believe that since Dhankhar was uncivil to Ramesh and others, no sympathy should be shown to him. In fact, some MPs appeared angry with the Congress and Jairam Ramesh for seemingly being lenient towards Dhankhar.
Ahead of the significant discussion next week, the challenge for the opposition INDIA bloc is to appear united, which is easier said than done.
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First Published:
July 23, 2025, 17:27 IST
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