‘Govt Owes Nation A Briefing’: RJD’s Jha Writes To PM Modi As Oppn Demands Special Session


Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the convening of a special session of Parliament to deliberate on Operation Sindoor and its geopolitical, military, and domestic implications.

In his letter, Jha said citizens were anxious over what he described as an “organised chaos” amid growing polarisation. “They are feeling they have been left in the dark regarding challenges facing their country, be it the response to cross-border terrorism and its geopolitical implications,” he wrote. The RJD leader emphasised the need for parliamentary deliberation on issues such as foreign interference, strategic governance frameworks, media reform, and the politicisation of military operations.

Raising concerns about American involvement, Jha pointed out that US President Donald Trump had repeatedly claimed credit for brokering peace between India and Pakistan. “This American intervention has hyphenated India and Pakistan once again. What began as India’s legitimate counterterrorism response has become another chapter in President Trump’s self-proclaimed role as global peacemaker,” he said. He questioned which Indian officials were contacted by the US administration and what stance was taken in such discussions, expressing concern that India’s sovereignty and global standing were being compromised.

He also criticised the lack of briefings for Indian legislators. “European Parliaments received briefings, American think tanks produced assessments, while Indian legislators have been reduced to mere spectators,” he wrote.

Calling for transparency, he said, “The government owes the nation a detailed briefing followed by a discussion on operational objectives, strategic outcomes, and future doctrine.” He added that reluctance to convene a special session indicated “either lack of self-assurance in its own narrative or deliberate obfuscation”.

Congress Presses Modi Govt For Immediate Parliament Session

Meanwhile, the Congress party on Sunday reiterated its demand for an immediate special session of Parliament. Citing remarks by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan in Singapore, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said, “The CDS has made some important statements on Operation Sindoor… It would have been better if the prime minister or the raksha mantri (defence minister) had briefed opposition leaders first in an all-party meeting.”

Ramesh said Gen Chauhan’s acknowledgement of losses in clashes with Pakistan underscored the need for wider discussion. “Statements are coming from the CDS from Singapore, of all places… We have been demanding all-party meetings and a special session of Parliament precisely for this purpose,” he told PTI.

Ramesh also called for the setting up of an expert review committee, akin to the Kargil Review Committee, to assess defence preparedness.

Congress media head Pawan Khera echoed the demand, saying, “These issues should be discussed by calling a special session, taking everyone in confidence.” Referring to the ceasefire announcement by the US, he asked, “Under what pressure was the ceasefire done? Where are the terrorists of the Pahalgam attack? What were the conditions for the ceasefire?”

Congress Deputy Leader in the Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari also weighed in, stating, “The public deserves a cohesive answer on the latest armed conflict. The CDS has accepted that our jet was downed. The government should clarify.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday accused the government of misleading the nation and demanded a comprehensive review of India’s defence preparedness by an independent expert committee.

‘Nothing To Hide’: Union Minister On Oppn Demands For Special Session

Responding to the opposition’s calls, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat asserted that the government has “nothing to hide” and pointed to the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. “Everyone will get an opportunity to raise their issues,” he said.

Speaking to PTI, Shekhawat stated, “In my view, the opposition should first decide what exactly they want to hear from the prime minister… In the last three days alone, the prime minister has addressed key national concerns, including Operation Sindoor, in great detail.”

He also claimed that the global community had been “deeply impressed” by India’s display of “courage and strength” during the operation. Criticising the opposition, he said, “When they run out of substantive matters, they often resort to sensational topics to grab attention.”



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