New Delhi, April 29, 2025 – In the wake of the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists on April 22, 2025, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has called for a special session of both houses of Parliament to address the crisis. The attack, identified as the deadliest in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with the Indian government accusing its neighbor of supporting cross-border terrorism.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shared via X at 03:52 UTC on April 29, Gandhi emphasized the need for a unified response to terrorism. “The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has outraged every Indian. At this critical time, India must show that we always stand together against terrorism,” the letter stated. Gandhi urged the government to convene a special session at the earliest, arguing that a parliamentary discussion involving both the government and opposition would demonstrate the country’s collective resolve
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The Pahalgam attack, carried out in Baisaran Valley—a popular tourist spot near Pahalgam—has been linked to Hashim Musa, a former Pakistani para commando, according to investigations reported by Times of India. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the UN-designated terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, initially claimed responsibility, citing opposition to Indian policies allowing non-locals to settle in Kashmir, though they later retracted the claim. Indian authorities have traced digital evidence to safe houses in Muzaffarabad and Karachi, reinforcing allegations of Pakistani involvement, which Pakistan denies, offering instead to cooperate with “neutral investigators,” as per Al Jazeera.
The attack has led to significant fallout, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, expelling Pakistani diplomats, and closing borders. Security operations are ongoing in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and local police conducting a joint cordon and search operation in the Pir Panjal range, as reported by ANI. A bounty of Rs 60 lakh has been announced for information leading to the arrest or elimination of three suspected terrorists, including two Pakistani nationals.
Gandhi’s call for a special session has drawn mixed reactions. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed the demand, writing to PM Modi, “This will be a powerful demonstration of our collective resolve and will to deal with the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on innocent citizens.” However, the proposal has sparked sharp criticism on social media and from political opponents. Several X users accused the Congress of hypocrisy, pointing to statements from its Karnataka unit that appeared to downplay Pakistan’s role in the attack. A post by
@DrPraveenwrites
referenced a Karnataka Congress leader’s remark that Pakistan is not an “enemy” but a “neighbor,” fueling accusations of the party being soft on terrorism.Others criticized a controversial Congress IT cell post depicting PM Modi without a head, which critics like
@Truth_Unplugged
likened to the rhetoric of terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. “You can’t stand with Bharat while speaking Pakistan’s language,” the user wrote. @Starboy2079
questioned the intent behind the special session, noting that India has never convened such a session after a terror attack and suggesting that Congress might be “dancing to Pakistan’s tunes.” Some users, like @VictorVon_S
, expressed concern that a parliamentary session could force the government to reveal sensitive military strategies, potentially compromising national security.The broader geopolitical context adds complexity to the situation. An X post by
@aravind
highlighted unusual international responses, including the U.S. offering full support for retaliation while NATO allies like the UK and Turkey continue to supply Pakistan. The user speculated that the attack might be part of an “elaborate trap” to lure India into a proxy war, aimed at derailing its economic growth and military strength.As tensions along the Line of Control escalate and security operations continue, the demand for a special parliamentary session has brought to the forefront the challenge of balancing unity against terrorism with political accountability. Whether the government will heed the opposition’s call remains uncertain, but the Pahalgam attack has undeniably reignited debates over India’s approach to terrorism and its fraught relationship with Pakistan.
