Rahul Gandhi, Kharge Urge PM Modi to Convene Special Parliament Session on Ceasefire

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New Delhi, May 11, 2025: A day after the Centre announced a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss Operation Sindoor, the Pahalgam terror attack, and the ceasefire. Gandhi emphasized that the ceasefire was first announced by US President Donald Trump.

In his letter, Gandhi stated, "Dear Prime Minister, I reiterate the unanimous request of the Opposition to convene a special session of Parliament immediately. It is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and today’s ceasefire, first announced by US President Trump. This will also be an opportunity to demonstrate our collective resolve to meet the challenges ahead. I trust that you will consider this demand seriously and swiftly."

Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also echoed Gandhi’s demand in a separate letter to the Prime Minister. "You may kindly recall myself as Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha and Leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha requested your good self vide our letters dated 28 April 2025 to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament in wake of inhuman terror attack in Pahalgam," he wrote.

Kharge further added, "In view of latest developments, Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha has already written to you again conveying the unanimous request of all Opposition parties for a special session of Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and the ceasefire announcements first from Washington DC and later by the Governments of India and Pakistan. As Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, I am writing in support of this request. I trust you will agree."

The Opposition’s demand follows the government’s earlier decision to convene all-party meetings after the Pahalgam terror attack and airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. However, the Prime Minister had not attended either meeting. Despite political differences, the Opposition had assured full support for any government action to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.

In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump announced yesterday that India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire. "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump posted on Truth Social.

The ceasefire comes amidst escalating tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad, with both sides engaging in military confrontations following the terror attack. The Opposition has called for transparency and a collective national strategy to address the unfolding situation.