Union Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed that the government and Opposition have unanimously agreed to hold a 16-hour discussion on Operation Sindoor in Lok Sabha from July 28. The move aims to restore order in Parliament after recent disruptions. Another 16-hour discussion is scheduled in Rajya Sabha on July 30.
In a development aimed at restoring normalcy in Parliament, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju announced on Friday that the government and the Opposition have unanimously agreed to a 16-hour discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha starting from July 28. A similar discussion is also scheduled for the Rajya Sabha on July 30.
Addressing the media after the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, Rijiju said, “We have reached an agreement with the Opposition for a 16-hour special discussion on Operation Sindoor in both Houses of Parliament. I hope this will help ensure smooth functioning of the legislative process.”
He added that discussions were held with key Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha. “Our focus has been to maintain order and ensure that Parliament serves its purpose,” Rijiju emphasized.
Operation Sindoor, which has been a major point of discussion since the beginning of the Monsoon Session, is expected to dominate the floor debates next week. The demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak on the matter has been a major sticking point, with the Opposition pressing for his direct response.
Responding to this, Rijiju clarified, “The BAC cannot decide when or where the Prime Minister will speak. That is solely the prerogative of the government.” He reiterated the government’s readiness to engage in discussions, stating, “From day one, we expressed our willingness to discuss Operation Sindoor. But despite our intent, disruptions continued in Parliament.”
Parliament has witnessed repeated disruptions and protests by Opposition MPs, who have carried placards and shouted slogans both inside and outside the House. Rijiju criticized these actions, stating that violating House rules and conventions does not contribute to constructive debate or policymaking.
“In the first week of the Monsoon Session, we managed to pass only one bill due to constant protests. Even when we attempted to discuss a second bill, Opposition MPs continued their disruptions,” he said. “I want to appeal once again to all Opposition parties to refrain from such conduct and respect the consensus reached today.”
Highlighting the broader implications of these disruptions, the Minister pointed to the wastage of public resources. “When MPs disrupt proceedings, the efforts of officers and staff who prepare detailed responses to parliamentary questions go in vain. This not only wastes taxpayers’ money but also hampers governance,” he noted.
Rijiju further stated that the government reiterated its commitment to a full and meaningful debate on Operation Sindoor during the BAC meeting convened by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. “While the Opposition raised various other issues, we have made it clear that we cannot take up multiple discussions simultaneously. The next issue for debate will be decided after the Operation Sindoor discussion concludes,” he explained.
On another critical matter, Rijiju mentioned that there was unanimity among political parties regarding the issue of the proposed removal motion against High Court Judge Yashwant Varma. “There is agreement across parties that the matter should be addressed jointly. As per rules, the motion will first be introduced in the Lok Sabha and then taken up in the Rajya Sabha. There should be no doubt about the process,” he clarified.
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The upcoming discussion on Operation Sindoor is seen as a potential turning point in the current Monsoon Session, which has so far been marred by legislative gridlock and intense political standoff. With both the ruling party and the Opposition now appearing to be on the same page, parliamentary observers hope for a more productive and issue-focused session ahead.
