Rajya Sabha briefly adjourned after Mallikarjun Kharge seeks Operation Sindoor details, Nadda vows discussion

New Delhi, July 21 — The Rajya Sabha faced a brief adjournment on Monday when Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanded full disclosure on Operation Sindoor, India’s latest evacuation effort in response to unrest in Kuwait. The demand triggered tension between the Opposition and Treasury benches.

Kharge urged the government to reveal how many Indian citizens remain stranded, how many have returned safely, and what the future plan looks like. His questions came amid growing public concern about the safety of Indian workers, especially domestic workers and industrial laborers in Kuwait.

What Is Operation Sindoor?

The government recently launched Operation Sindoor to evacuate Indians trapped in violence-hit areas of Kuwait. The mission targets Indian citizens, especially women and laborers, affected by sudden clashes between local factions.

Officials say the name “Sindoor” symbolizes the mission’s aim—protecting the dignity and safety of Indian women. While the Ministry of External Affairs issued general updates, many feel these lack clarity and detail.

Kharge Demands Answers

Kharge raised the issue during Zero Hour.

“People have the right to know what’s going on. How many have been rescued? What steps are we taking next?” he asked.

He said families in India feel anxious due to the absence of direct communication from loved ones. Kharge also criticized the government for not updating Parliament with accurate numbers or timelines.

Several other Opposition MPs supported his demand. They pointed out that Indian missions abroad often fail to reach vulnerable groups, including women working in unregistered jobs.

Government Responds Calmly

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda replied to Kharge’s concerns. He said the government remains fully committed to the safety of Indian citizens abroad.

“We understand your concern. We will hold a proper discussion on Operation Sindoor,” Nadda assured the House.

He added that sometimes sensitive information cannot be shared immediately due to diplomatic and security reasons. However, Nadda promised that Parliament would receive all relevant updates soon.

Tension Escalates, House Adjourns Briefly

Despite Nadda’s assurance, several Opposition members continued to press for immediate answers. The Chair struggled to maintain order. Amid heated slogans and interruptions, the House adjourned briefly for 15 minutes.

When it resumed, the government and Opposition agreed to discuss the issue formally in the next business session. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi confirmed the government’s willingness to provide more information.

Past Evacuation Operations

India has a history of large-scale evacuation missions:

• Operation Ganga (Ukraine, 2022)
• Operation Kaveri (Sudan, 2023)
• Operation Raahat (Yemen, 2015)

These missions showcased India’s ability to rescue citizens in dangerous conditions. But critics say the government sometimes hides important details or releases them too late.

Kharge’s intervention pushes the government to improve communication and involve Parliament more directly.

Opposition Unites on the Issue

Opposition parties presented a united front. The Trinamool Congress, DMK, CPI(M), and Shiv Sena (UBT) all demanded greater transparency.

TMC MP Dola Sen emphasized the need to protect women workers.

“Many of these women are invisible. They’re unregistered and unaccounted for. Is the mission reaching them?” she asked.

CPI(M)’s Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya urged the government to ensure that rescue missions also protect labor rights. He called for a proper policy that handles such evacuations with fairness and consistency.

Security vs. Accountability

The government faces a challenge: how to balance operational secrecy with public accountability. While the Ministry of External Affairs manages the evacuation on the ground, many demand more regular and transparent updates.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted on social media:

“Parliament exists to ask these questions. Sanitized press releases are not enough.”

Several MPs also suggested that the government present a white paper or official report on Operation Sindoor once the mission concludes.

Public Pressure Increases

Families of stranded workers have begun contacting MPs and media outlets. They want regular updates, not just vague statements. Many complain they can’t reach Indian embassies or get confirmation about their loved ones’ safety.

Social media campaigns under hashtags like #BringThemBack and #OperationSindoor are gaining traction. The public wants clear answers and a proper plan.

What Happens Next?

With Nadda’s promise on record, Parliament will likely schedule a special session or discussion on Operation Sindoor. Opposition MPs say they will continue pressing for full transparency until the government discloses everything.

The issue has become more than just a rescue mission. It now raises larger questions about how the Indian government protects its citizens abroad, especially vulnerable groups who often go unnoticed.

Conclusion

Monday’s events in the Rajya Sabha reveal the rising tension between transparency and executive control. Kharge’s demand, followed by the brief adjournment and Nadda’s response, has pushed the issue to the forefront.

The real test now lies ahead. Will the government deliver a full account of Operation Sindoor? Will Parliament get its answers, and will the public regain trust in the evacuation process?

As the story unfolds, one thing is clear—India cannot afford to treat the lives of its migrant workers as an afterthought. Every citizen, regardless of where they are, deserves timely help and truthful answers.