After India and Pakistan agreeing to an immediate ceasefire, the principal opposition party Congress, which has been backing the government in its efforts of dealing with Pahalgam terror attack, followed by Operation Sindoor and army’s fitting response to Pakistan’s misadventure and escalation of tension, is significantly non-committal on ceasefire.
Moreover, it said that there is now a need more than ever before for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to chair an all-party meeting and take political parties into confidence. It has also demanded that the government call a special session of Parliament to discuss the events of the past 18 days.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X, “In view of the unprecedented announcements from Washington DC, there is now a need, more than ever before, for — the prime minister to chair an all-party meeting and take political parties into confidence.”
There is also now a need, more than ever before, for a special session of Parliament to discuss the events of the last 18 days, beginning with the brutal Pahalgam terror attack and the way forward, and to demonstrate a collective resolve, he said.
As India’s announcement of ceasefire came shortly after US President Donald Trump said India and Pakistan had agreed to a “full and immediate” ceasefire after talks mediated by the US, the Congress party seems to be suspecting US pressure in `forcing abrupt ceasefire’ on India.
The US-brokered ceasefire came hours after the militaries of India and Pakistan attacked each other’s facilities, dangerously escalating the standoff.
Meanwhile, the Indian army asserted that every misadventure and future escalation by Pakistan will be responded to with strength and decisive action. Incidentally, these remarks came shortly after the two neighbours reached an understanding to stop military actions. “While we will be adhering to the understanding reached today, we remain fully prepared to defend India’s sovereignty,” Commodore Raghu Nair said.
