Kharge Slams Trump’s Claims on Operation Sindoor Ceasefire as “Humiliating”; Demands PM Modi’s Response in Parliament
In a heated intervention during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday sharply criticized former US President Donald Trump’s claims regarding mediation between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, calling them “humiliating” to the dignity and sovereignty of the nation.
Kharge demanded a comprehensive response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising not only the contentious Trump remarks but also questioning the government’s handling of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians tragically lost their lives.
His comments came during Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha, triggering uproar from the opposition benches and leading to a brief adjournment of the House proceedings.
Trump’s Ceasefire Claim Sparks Political Firestorm
The former US President’s assertion that he helped facilitate a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor has reportedly been made 24 times, according to Kharge.
The Congress leader argued that these repeated claims were not just a diplomatic embarrassment but an affront to India’s strategic autonomy.
“If Donald Trump indeed played any role in bringing about a ceasefire, the country must know the truth,” Kharge said.
“It is humiliating for India if a foreign leader claims credit for influencing our military decisions.” He demanded that the government officially clarify its position and either refute or explain Trump’s assertions.
Congress Demands Two-Day Debate on Pahalgam Attack, Operation Sindoor
The Congress party, supported by other opposition members, also pressed for a two-day debate on the twin issues of the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, India’s tri-services military retaliation that began on May 7, 2025, in response to the terror incident.
Kharge and several opposition MPs had submitted adjournment notices under Rule 267, seeking suspension of regular business in the House to prioritize this pressing discussion.
He stressed that the debate must also cover alleged security lapses, military preparedness, and foreign policy concerns arising out of the operation and its aftermath.
“In the Pahalgam attack, 26 civilians lost their lives, yet to this day, the terrorists responsible have not been caught or neutralised. Even Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha admitted that there were security lapses,” Kharge pointed out.
He further revealed that several high-ranking officials — including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Deputy Army Chief, and a senior Defence Attaché — have made disclosures related to Operation Sindoor, necessitating a full discussion in Parliament.
Government Responds: Open to Discussion, Says Nadda
Responding to the opposition’s aggressive demands, Leader of the House and Union Health Minister J P Nadda affirmed the government’s willingness to hold a comprehensive debate on Operation Sindoor and related issues. “We are ready to discuss everything,” Nadda stated, attempting to assure the agitated benches.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, presiding over the session as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, also stepped in to calm the escalating tensions.
He promised that an open, full-length debate would be scheduled and said he would consult leaders from across party lines to finalize the timeline. “There will be no time constraint. You will have as much time as needed,” Dhankhar assured the House.
Congress Walks Out Amid Government Silence
Despite these assurances, when the Rajya Sabha reconvened at noon for the scheduled Question Hour, Congress MPs again raised the issue.
Dissatisfied with the lack of a direct response from the Prime Minister and the continued absence of clarity on Trump’s statements, the Congress party staged a walkout, registering its protest.
Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Military Response
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was conceived as a precision, tri-services military campaign in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.
It aimed to dismantle cross-border terror infrastructure, particularly across the Line of Control (LoC) and in key strategic zones inside Pakistan.
The operation was widely hailed for its efficiency, coordination, and swift execution, representing a significant display of India’s military capabilities.
However, just three days later, on May 10, a ceasefire was announced, prompting speculation about external pressure or diplomatic intervention, now brought to the fore by Trump’s repeated claims.
With the matter now escalating into a major parliamentary and diplomatic controversy, all eyes are on the government to provide a clear and transparent explanation, particularly on whether the ceasefire decision was internally driven or influenced by external players.
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