- Opposition parties offer full backing to the government.
- Defense Minister leads meeting instead of Modi.
- Congress emphasizes that Modi should have attended the meeting.
Indian opposition parties have voiced their complete support for the government while denouncing the recent attack in Pahalgam, during a meeting involving all parties to solidify backing for the ruling BJP-led administration, according to media reports from the country on Thursday.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted that the opposition pointed out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from this critical meeting, as well as a “security lapse” linked to the incident.
Despite this, he stressed that the opposition is committed to cooperating with the government on this matter, sending a message of national unity.
“We collectively expressed that no matter what measures the government takes in the nation’s interest, we stand united and will support those actions. We will collaborate on this issue to reaffirm our unity as a country,” Kharge stated.
Reports indicate that Defense Minister Rajnath Singh presided over the meeting in place of Modi. Kharge also pointed out that PM Modi should have been present, given his ability to make final decisions.
The attack on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, including one Nepali citizen, with the Indian government attributing responsibility to Pakistan—a claim that Islamabad has strongly rebutted, labeling it a “false flag operation.”
In light of Pakistan’s firm denial of any involvement, the Modi administration has suspended the Indus Water Treaty and prohibited the entry of Pakistani nationals.
Moreover, the Integrated Check Post at Attari has been swiftly shut down, and New Delhi has instructed military, naval, and air advisers at the Pakistani High Commission to leave India within a week, designating them as persona non grata.
In reaction, Pakistan has announced its own withdrawal of advisers, reducing the number of personnel at its High Commission from the current 55 to 30 by May 1, which is also the deadline for the departure of Pakistani nationals from India.
