Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi have both written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a special Parliament session to discuss the situation arising out of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 35 tourists and one resident on April 22.
While writing a letter made public by Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on the social media platform X, Kharge stressed solidarity. “Hon’ble Prime Minister, at this moment, when unity and solidarity are essential, (the) Opposition believes that it is important to convene a special session of both houses of Parliament at the earliest. This will be a powerful demonstration of our collective resolve and will to deal with the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on innocent citizens on 22 April 2025. It is our fond hope that the session will be accordingly convened,” Kharge wrote.
Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Shri Mallikarjun Kharge has written to the PM last night requesting that a special session of both Houses of Parliament be convened at the earliest to demonstrate a collective will to deal with the situation… pic.twitter.com/v3F5unn6I8
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 29, 2025
Rahul Gandhi, in another letter, reiterated the appeal for immediate parliamentary action. “Dear Prime Minister, the terrorist attack in Pahalgam has outraged every Indian. At this critical time, India must show that we will always stand together against terrorism. The Opposition believes that a special session of both Houses of Parliament should be convened, where the representatives of the people can show their unity and determination. We request that such a special session be convened at the earliest,” Gandhi wrote.
My letter to PM Modi requesting a special session of both houses of Parliament to be convened at the earliest.
At this critical time, India must show that we always stand together against terrorism. pic.twitter.com/7AIXGqBqTl
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 29, 2025
The Budget Session of the Parliament finished on April 4, while the Monsoon Session will come in July. Keeping in mind the attack and heightened tensions, Congress leaders called for a session much earlier in order to stiffen national will.
Escalating Tensions With Pakistan
The call for a special session follows increasing tensions between India and Pakistan. Intelligence agencies are suspecting Pakistan’s role in the Pahalgam terror attack, in which innocent tourists were attacked at Baisaran Valley.
After the attack, the government suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and ceased visa services to Pakistani nationals. In response, Islamabad threatened to abrogate all bilateral treaties with India, including the Simla Agreement, which regulates the Line of Control (LoC).
Prime Minister Modi, in a speech to the nation, denounced the attack in strong language. “There is grief and rage over the attack from Kargil to Kanyakumari,” Modi declared. “This attack was not just on innocent tourists; the country’s enemies have shown the audacity to attack India’s soul.”
Promising a strong retaliation, Modi announced, “The attackers and the conspirators will receive a punishment beyond their imagination. The time has arrived to destroy whatever remains of the terror nest. The determination of 140 crores will shatter the backbone of the masters of terror.”
The government has already held an all-party meeting to apprise opposition leaders of its next line of action, where Kharge and Gandhi gave unstinted support to whatever action was taken in retaliation against the attack.
While the country is in mourning for the victims, the Opposition’s appeal for a special Parliament session attempts to rally the political leadership together in a demonstration of strength against terrorism.
