Congress Walks Out Over Modi’s Absence as Amit Shah Concludes Debate on Operation Sindoor; Pakistan Rejects India’s Claims
ISLAMABAD / NEW DELHI – A major political stir unfolded in the Indian parliament on Wednesday, as the Congress-led opposition walked out of the Rajya Sabha to protest Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence during a crucial debate on India-Pakistan tensions, Indian media reported.
Opposition Decries PM Modi’s Absence
The walkout occurred moments after Home Minister Amit Shah began his concluding speech on the parliamentary debate surrounding Operation Sindoor. According to Times of India, opposition lawmakers disrupted proceedings with slogans and loud protests, expressing outrage over what they called a “disrespect to the upper house.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, also Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said:
“After 16 hours of discussion, we expected the Prime Minister to attend. His absence, despite being present in the Parliament building, is an insult to this House.”
Shah Fires Back at Congress
In his address, Amit Shah pushed back against the criticism, stating that it was the government’s prerogative to decide who would speak in parliament. He also launched a scathing critique of the Congress party, accusing it of historical failures regarding Kashmir.
“Congress gave away part of Kashmir to Pakistan. Our government, under PM Modi, is determined to reclaim it,” Shah declared.
He further cited data showing a significant drop in terrorism in India, claiming:
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From 2004 to 2014, 7,217 terrorist incidents occurred.
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From 2015 to 2025, the number dropped to 2,150, marking a 70% reduction.
Shah alleged that recent neutralized militants were mostly Pakistanis, adding:
“In the past, Kashmiri youth were recruited. In the last six months, not a single local youth has joined a terror outfit.”
Pakistan Responds to Allegations
Shortly after Shah’s remarks, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) issued a strong rebuttal, dismissing the Indian claims as “baseless and provocative.”
FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated:
“Pakistan categorically rejects the unfounded assertions made during India’s parliamentary debate on the so-called ‘Operation Sindoor’.”
He condemned the Indian narrative as an attempt to distort facts and glorify aggression, adding that such rhetoric poses serious risks to regional peace.
According to Dawn News, the FO further said:
“Indian leaders would do better to acknowledge their own military setbacks and the role played by third parties in enforcing the ceasefire.”
The FO also criticized New Delhi’s rejection of PM Shehbaz Sharif’s offer for an independent and transparent investigation into the Pahalgam attack, calling India’s response “belligerent and confrontational.”
Rising Tensions Amid Political Divides
The parliamentary drama and subsequent diplomatic exchange underscore the deepening political and regional tensions between the two South Asian rivals.
As both nations continue to spar over recent developments in Kashmir and cross-border attacks, observers urge restraint and dialogue to prevent escalation.
