New Delhi 24 April , 2025 :In the aftermath of a deadly terror attack that saw Hindus being selectively targeted, the Indian government convened an all-party meeting to brief political parties and foster national unity. While the government aimed to present a united front on matters of national security and prepare a global diplomatic response, the opposition—particularly the Congress—appeared divided and ambivalent both during and after the meeting.
In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, critical security decisions and a rare display of political unity were witnessed during two high-level meetings held on Wednesday and Thursday.
Amid widespread concern over the horrifying incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an emergency meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in New Delhi on April 23. It was decided in the meeting to suspend the long-standing Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan and to temporarily close the Attari border. A senior official stated that this move was a clear signal that India would not tolerate any violation of its borders and aimed to intensify anti-terror operations swiftly and effectively.
The following day, April 24, an all-party meeting was convened in the Parliament House, with participation from all major political parties. The session began with a two-minute silence to pay tribute to the martyrs and injured citizens of the Pahalgam attack.
Union Minister of State Kiren Rijiju said at the conclusion of the meeting, “All political parties have unanimously supported the decisions taken against Pakistan and assured the government of full cooperation in all future anti-terror initiatives.”
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, stated, “Everyone has condemned the attack. National security is our topmost priority, and the opposition will stand with the government under all circumstances.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also described the government’s actions as timely and necessary.
Supriya Sule and Praful Patel of the Nationalist Congress Party expressed their commitment to cooperating with the government in sharing intelligence and formulating security strategies.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, AAP’s Sanjay Singh, TMC’s Sudip Bandyopadhyay, and SP’s Ram Gopal Yadav also pledged support for the national interest and the steps taken in response to the attack.
Some opposition leaders raised concerns over the preparedness of security agencies and questioned how the attackers managed to infiltrate across the border and reach Pahalgam undetected. They emphasized the need for tighter and more proactive intelligence-sharing mechanisms to avoid such lapses in the future.
In the current scenario, India’s biggest challenge will be to expose the cross-border terror networks on the global stage while enhancing vigilance at its own borders. Securing diplomatic support will also be a strategic priority, as this incident will have long-term implications on India-Pakistan relations.
India has always faced challenges with courage and wisdom. After the Pahalgam attack, the critical question now is—will there be another cross-border surgical strike, with elite commandos targeting enemy bases under the cover of night? Or will India assert pressure via its naval dominance, with the roar of INS Vikrant signaling that even the waters are not safe for Pakistan?
However, firepower alone won’t suffice. India will also make its case firmly on diplomatic platforms, exposing Pakistan’s role in sponsoring terrorism and gathering global support. Cyber warfare will also come into play, with targeted digital responses aimed at crippling enemy networks. Be it surgical strikes on the ground, naval posturing, or diplomatic offensives—India is prepared on all fronts.
The all-party meeting was a strategic move by the Modi government to inform political stakeholders of the ongoing developments, global outreach, and potential next steps. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with senior officials, had engaged with world leaders including Donald Trump and key diplomats from G20 nations, securing support from countries like Israel and Germany. Even China was approached diplomatically. The intent was clear: consolidate domestic and international support to isolate Pakistan and prepare for strong retaliatory action.
The contradiction was stark. Inside the meeting, opposition leaders nodded in agreement; outside, they resorted to criticism, questioning intelligence failures and blaming the government. This dual approach has raised questions about Congress’s political intent. There was no official demand from Congress urging harsher action against Pakistan, nor a formal proposal to enhance domestic security apparatus. Their main concern seemed to revolve around procedural missteps rather than the root cause—the targeted killing of Hindus.
Social media narratives, too, indicate growing frustration among citizens. While the public sentiment strongly leans towards punitive action against Pakistan, the opposition’s reluctance to clearly label the killings as “Hindu-targeted” has not gone unnoticed. Analysts argue this hesitation is rooted in vote bank politics, with Congress unwilling to alienate its Muslim voter base by calling out Islamist terrorism explicitly.
Despite having time to prepare, most opposition parties came with no alternative action plans. Instead, they focused on dragging the discourse towards political blame-games. Even when the government opened the floor for suggestions, the opposition remained largely silent.
This isn’t the first time such a pattern has emerged. Following previous surgical and air strikes, opposition leaders had doubted the government’s claims, demanding proof and questioning motives. That same suspicion seems to be returning, barely days after the incident, as the opposition appears poised to shift its stance once again.
The Congress’s shifting narrative—seen most clearly in Rahul Gandhi’s varying statements from abroad to the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting—reflects a deeper confusion within the party. Internally, discussions on Hindu killings were acknowledged, yet publicly, the party refrained from any categorical stance, further fueling public distrust.
In conclusion, while the government continues to prepare for a comprehensive diplomatic and military response, the opposition, particularly the Congress, appears trapped in its political calculus. The Indian public is watching closely—not just for action against Pakistan—but also for clarity, consistency, and courage from its political leaders. Unfortunately, in this moment of national crisis, the opposition’s actions reveal more about their insecurities than their intent to unite for the country.
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