The central government has dismissed the opposition’s demand for a ‘special’ parliamentary session on the Pahalgam and Pakistan issues. On Wednesday, the government announced that the Monsoon Session of Parliament will be held from July 21 to August 12. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed this news today. The opposition had sought this special session in June, but the government rejected the demand, opting for mid-July instead.

The government’s announcement has drawn strong criticism from the opposition. Congress chief spokesperson Jairam Ramesh termed the government’s move a “new ploy.” He stated that the government has unprecedentedly announced the dates for the Monsoon Session 47 days in advance to divert attention from the opposition’s demand for a special session. Jairam Ramesh further alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has “surrendered” to America on the Pahalgam issue, therefore he is not ‘Narendra Modi’ but ‘Surrender Modi’. Trinamool’s Rajya Sabha leader Derek O’Brien accused the government of suffering from ‘Parliamentophobia’ or fear of Parliament. He also claimed that the government intentionally scheduled the session for July 21, which is Trinamool’s Martyrs’ Day, and this has been strongly protested.