Congress draws up House strategy: Pahalgam attack, Trump truce claim, EC’s Bihar roll revision
As the Monsoon Session of Parliament approaches, the Congress party is preparing a sharp offensive against the Modi government. Its strategy focuses on three major issues: the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, former US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire claims, and the Election Commission’s controversial voter roll revision in Bihar.
Congress Demands Answers on Pahalgam Terror Attack
On April 22, 2025, militants launched a brutal assault in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam. The attack left 26 civilians dead, including 25 tourists and one local resident. Over 20 others sustained injuries. Reports linked the attackers to Lashkar-e-Taiba, with several foreign militants involved.
Congress has accused the Centre of hiding details about India’s response, named “Operation Sindoor.” This operation reportedly targeted terror camps across the border. However, the government has provided no official briefing on the mission or its outcomes. Congress leaders are demanding clarity.
A party spokesperson said, “We want to know who carried out the attack and what actions the government has taken. Why is the Prime Minister silent?”
Trump’s Ceasefire Claim Adds Political Pressure
Former President Donald Trump has publicly claimed credit for mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack. He repeated this claim in at least 22 speeches, stating that he helped prevent a larger conflict in South Asia.
Congress believes these statements raise serious questions about India’s foreign policy and national security. Rahul Gandhi recently asked at a public event, “If Trump brokered peace, why hasn’t our government informed Parliament?”
The opposition wants the External Affairs Ministry to confirm whether such diplomatic efforts took place. Congress argues that if India relied on US intervention, citizens deserve an explanation.
EC’s Bihar Voter List Move Sparks Uproar
Congress also plans to highlight growing concerns over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar. Under this program, voters added after 2003 must submit documents proving Indian citizenship. However, Aadhaar, ration cards, and voter IDs are not accepted.
Instead, the EC demands one of 11 specific documents, such as land records, passports, or birth certificates. Critics argue that this requirement could lead to mass voter exclusion, especially among the poor, migrants, Dalits, and Muslims.
Priyanka Gandhi voiced strong criticism. “This is a targeted move to silence the voices of the marginalized. It’s a backdoor NRC.”
The matter is already in the Supreme Court. While the Court has not stopped the revision, it urged the EC to consider commonly used IDs. Congress will push for scrapping the entire exercise in Parliament.
INDIA Bloc Joins Forces with Congress
Congress has reached out to INDIA bloc allies to coordinate a united approach in the Monsoon Session. Senior leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Pramod Tiwari met recently to finalize the strategy.
They will raise the Pahalgam attack, Trump’s ceasefire comments, and the Bihar voter list issue through motions and debates. The opposition will also discuss other concerns, including unemployment, farmers’ distress, women’s safety, and the recent military aircraft crash.
Kharge emphasized the seriousness of the plan. “This isn’t about politics. This is about demanding truth and transparency from the government.”
BJP Pushes Back
The BJP dismissed the Congress strategy, calling it a distraction. Party spokespersons accused the opposition of using sensitive national issues for political gain.
A senior BJP leader responded, “Congress is desperate. They have no vision, so they are stirring panic over non-issues.”
Despite the pushback, the Monsoon Session starting July 21 is expected to be intense. With major elections on the horizon, the opposition will likely use every opportunity to challenge the government’s record.
Conclusion
Congress is preparing for a high-stakes battle in Parliament. By focusing on the Pahalgam terror attack, Trump’s controversial claims, and the voter ID controversy in Bihar, the party hopes to corner the government and spark public debate. The coming weeks will test the government’s willingness to answer tough questions—and the opposition’s ability to stay united and focused.
