New Delhi: In a rare show of political unity, leaders from across the political spectrum extended their full support to the Centre’s actions against Pakistan in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The consensus was reached during an all-party meeting convened by the government at the Parliament House complex on Tuesday.
The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was attended by leaders from 13 political parties, including Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Key opposition figures such as Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and TMC’s Sudip Bandyopadhyay were also present.
Briefing the media after the two-hour session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the Defence Minister provided a detailed account of the Pahalgam incident and the immediate steps taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Rijiju emphasized that the government has indicated plans for more stringent action in response to the attack.
“All parties expressed grave concern over the incident and assured full cooperation with the government in its fight against terrorism,” said Rijiju.
Rahul Gandhi, speaking to reporters post-meeting, condemned the attack and stated that the opposition stands firmly behind the government in taking decisive measures. Echoing similar sentiments, Congress President Kharge stressed the need to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir while denouncing the act of terror.
TMC’s Sudip Bandyopadhyay noted that discussions also touched on security lapses, affirming that all political parties pledged their support to the government regardless of political affiliations. AAP MP Sanjay Singh voiced the nation’s anguish and demanded a strong retaliatory stance from the Centre. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi declared the issue as one beyond politics and vowed support for any government decision aimed at protecting national interests.
As a mark of respect for the victims, a two-minute silence was observed during the meeting.
The meeting highlighted a rare bipartisan solidarity in times of national crisis, reinforcing the country’s resolve against terrorism.
