A day after the Centre announced a ceasefire pact with Pakistan, a political storm has hit the capital. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, demanded a special session in Parliament to debate the ceasefire agreement.
Rahul Gandhi, according to reports, believes US President Donald Trump was the first to broker peace.
“Dear Prime Minister, I reiterate the unanimous request of the Opposition to convene a special session of Parliament immediately. It is crucial for the people and their representatives to discuss the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and today’s ceasefire, first announced by US President Trump. This will also be an opportunity to demonstrate our collective resolve to meet the challenges ahead. I trust that you will consider this demand seriously and swiftly,” wrote Gandhi.
The Congress leadership has doubled down on its demand. Mallikarjun Kharge, party chief and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, also wrote to the Prime Minister, referring to earlier appeals dated April 28, 2025.
“You may kindly recall myself as Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha and Leader of Opposition, Lok Sabha requested your good self vide our letters dated 28 April 2025 to convene a special session of both Houses of Parliament in wake of inhuman terror attack in Pahalgam,” he said.
Kharge went on to reinforce the Opposition’s latest push: “In view of latest developments Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha has already written to you again conveying the unanimous request of all Opposition parties for a special session of Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam terror, Operation Sindoor and the ceasefire announcements first from Washington DC and later by the Governments of India and Pakistan. As Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha I am writing in support of this request. I trust you will agree.”
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, the government had called all-party meetings—once after the attack and again following Indian airstrikes conducted in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir as part of Operation Sindoor.
Later, in an unexpected diplomatic bombshell, US President Donald Trump jumped the gun on both New Delhi and Islamabad, declaring the ceasefire before either capital had spoken. “After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE. Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter,” Trump posted triumphantly.
Minutes later, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and vice president JD Vance echoed the announcement, claiming credit for brokering the truce and praising both nations for stepping back from the brink.
India issued a terse statement by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri who confirmed that India’s Director General of Military Operations had spoken to his Pakistani counterpart. “It was agreed between them that both sides would stop all firing and military action on land, and in the air and sea, with effect from 1700 hours IST Saturday,” Misri stated. “Instructions have been given on both sides to give effect to this understanding. The DGMOs will talk again on May 12 at 1200 hours.”
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar reiterated India’s unwavering stance, saying: “India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It will continue to do so.”
Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other top officials confirmed the ceasefire, extending gratitude to President Trump, and highlighting the prominent US role in securing the truce.
At the time of this article going live, no Indian official has issued a statement acknowledging Washington’s role in the ceasefire.
Trump has gone a step further offering to mediate the Kashmir dispute. Over the years, India has rejected this unequivocally, maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir remains an inseparable part of the country and internal to its sovereignty. As of now, Delhi has not issued any formal response to the US President’s overture.
Also Read: After The Barrage, The Silence: Ceasefire Holds Across J&K https://www.vibesofindia.com/after-the-barrage-the-silence-ceasefire-holds-across-jk/
