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Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Monsoon session: Parliament to debate Operation Sindoor; after washout week, top guns to face off
Lok Sabha NEW DELHI: After a week of disruptions, Parliament's Monsoon session is poised to shift gears on Monday with an intense debate on the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor , as the ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition prepare to go head-to-head over national security and foreign policy issues. Top ministers from the government and senior leaders from the opposition are expected to participate in what is being billed as a marathon 16-hour debate in both Houses, starting with the Lok Sabha on Monday, followed by the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. These discussions, sources told the news agency PTI, may extend well beyond the allotted time, given the political stakes involved. Home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, and external affairs minister S Jaishankar are expected to lead the government's charge during the debate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly may intervene to highlight what the government views as its 'robust' record on national security. On the opposition side, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are likely to lead the charge, alongside Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav and other senior leaders from the INDIA bloc. Their criticism has focused on alleged intelligence failures preceding the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, and on US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of mediating between India and Pakistan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Baking Soda Tricks Everyone Should Know About Beach Raider Undo Rahul Gandhi has targeted the government's foreign policy, arguing that India failed to garner international backing during Operation Sindoor. He has also cited Trump's mediation remarks as evidence of the government's diplomatic setbacks. PM Modi, however, has hailed Operation Sindoor, India's cross-border strike on terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as a resounding success that showcased the effectiveness of the country's indigenous defence capabilities. 'India has drawn a 'new normal' in its response to Pakistan-linked terrorism, and it will not differentiate between terrorists and their sponsors,' PM Modi asserted, defending the government's firm approach in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. India caused serious damage to several Pakistani air bases in the four-day conflict. Meanwhile, the NDA plans to field a wide range of speakers, including ministers and MPs from the seven multi-party delegations that travelled to over 30 global capitals to explain India's position post-Operation Sindoor. These include Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena), Sanjay Jha (JDU), and Harish Balayogi (TDP), among others. A key point of interest remains whether Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who led one of the delegations to the US, will be allowed to speak during the debate. His public praise for the government's handling of the operation has reportedly created friction within his party. However, sources suggest that a way may be found for him to participate, given the significance of his role. While the focus is shifting to national security, one unresolved issue continues to hang over the session -- the opposition's demand for a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The opposition claims the Election Commission's exercise could benefit the BJP in the upcoming Bihar polls, an allegation the EC has denied, stating the revision is aimed solely at ensuring only eligible voters are on the rolls. Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju, speaking on July 25 after the session's first week ended in a washout, confirmed that the opposition had agreed to begin discussions on the twin issues of Pahalgam and Sindoor. However, on the SIR issue, Rijiju reiterated the government's position: 'Every issue cannot be taken up for discussion in Parliament at once,' adding that the government will consider the demand for a separate debate in due course, as per the rules.


The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Bandi Sanjay dares KTR for open debate on BJP MP Ramesh's allegations
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar has dared BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao for an open debate on the charges made against him by BJP MP from Anakapalli C.M. Ramesh accusing him of making a proposal to merge BRS with BJP in 2023. Talking to reporters in Karimnagar on Sunday, Mr. Sanjay alleged that the BRS rule was steeped in corruption. 'BRS leaders had come up with the merger proposal unable to run their party,' he said in reply to a question. However, during his speech at a public meeting in Nizamabad in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it crystal clear that BJP is against family-centric parties and politics of nepotism, he noted. 'Let him (KTR) decide the time and venue. I will arrange a public debate either in Karimnagar or Hyderabad to prove Mr. Ramesh's allegations against Mr. Rama Rao,' he said. 'BRS is on the verge of extinction and its leadership is incapable of running the party,' he charged, accusing Mr. Rama Rao of spearheading a false propaganda against the BJP through social media platforms. 'Such lies will not be tolerated anymore,' he warned, and alleged that the Congress leaders in Telangana were not reacting to KTR's 'abusive language' against their own leaders. Accusing the ruling Congress of 'pursuing appeasement politics', he demanded that 42% quota be exclusively earmarked for BCs by excluding Muslims from the BC list. New block Earlier, the Union Minister inaugurated the Critical Care Block constructed with Central fund at an estimated cost of ₹23.75 crore at the Government General Hospital in Karimnagar.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Vijayendra or no Vijayendra, BJP unity may still prove elusive in Karnataka
Bengaluru: BJP's central leadership faces a catch-22 situation over whether to retain or replace Karnataka unit president BY Vijayendra, with dissent threatening to fracture the party and crimp its chances of a comeback in the 2028 assembly elections. Vijayendra's elevation was seen as a move to keep his father and Lingayat strongman BS Yediyurappa engaged. But a source said: "It has deepened the generational divide. Many seniors feel they are being sidelined, and they are not hiding their resentment anymore. Whether Yediyurappa still commands the same support of the Lingayat community is a million-dollar question." Discontent spiked after Vijayapura legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal was expelled for criticising the party brass, but an MLA from the anti-Yediyurappa camp said the fire of discontentment is still raging. "Several MLAs and former ministers feel the party is being run like a private company," the legislator said. "Vijayendra's stint so far has been insignificant. The party did not get desired results in the Lok Sabha polls under his watch. Members are also upset that decisions are being taken unilaterally." You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Former deputy CM KS Eshwarappa has also repeatedly criticised the state unit, insisting BJP is being "hijacked by a small group". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo "If things don't change, many will be forced to explore other options," he said. Both Eshwarappa and Yatnal have hinted at forming a separate outfit, and it may take shape if Vijayendra continues as state chief. Though such a move may have limited statewide impact, it could hurt BJP in key constituencies. BJP's high command has not taken a public stance, but party sources confirm that deliberations are on. Union minister V Somanna, former minister Murugesh Nirani, and BJP MP Ramesh Katti are being considered as possible replacements. "It's not just about who comes in. It's about how to handle Yediyurappa and his support base," said political analyst Vishwas Shetty. "It is said Yediyurappa has gone into isolation and is not talking to anyone as he awaits BJP leadership's decision." Congress, buoyed by its 2023 assembly victory, is watching closely. One member said: "They used to accuse Congress of dynasty politics. Now their entire state unit is run by one family. The party is in complete chaos, and people are watching." A senior Congress strategist added that the party is eyeing expansion in BJP strongholds in north Karnataka. "With Yediyurappa's influence waning and internal fights erupting, we see a golden opportunity to build a footprint," he said. Yet, some political thinkers see merit in backing Vijayendra. Prof Harish Ramaswamy said "unity in division and divided opinions and factions" have been a "hallmark" of BJP. "For a party which needs a generational shift in leadership, it cannot but inevitably afford Vijayendra," said Ramaswamy. "He is young, has a lineage, belongs to a forward community — one that has numbers. He is articulate. Knows politics by internship and practice . " Ramaswamy said Vijayendra would need to sharpen his skills while experience would make him wiser. "Parliamentary practice will help him," he said. "He should learn from his father the art of taking partymen along. Shifting leaders often can only breed more factions, thus causing election defeats for a party struggling to establish itself in southern India." Still, many within the party believe that the deeper issue goes beyond leadership. "Vijayendra or no Vijayendra, the unit is no longer united — and that's the real crisis." ———- Quote He (Vijayendra) should learn from his father the art of taking partymen along. Shifting leaders often can only breed more factions, thus causing election defeats for a party struggling to establish itself in southern India -Prof Harish Ramaswamy, political analyst