Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, strongly criticised the Central government over the Pahalgam terror attack that took place in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran valley on April 22, 2025. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the debate on Operation Sindoor, he questioned the government’s handling of security and demanded accountability for the incident.
Kharge began his speech by paying tribute to the victims of the attack. He expressed sorrow over the lives lost in emotional words. He said, “Hands with mehendi lifted their husbands’ bodies, helpless crying children lost their fathers, and tearful women stood in despair. We have seen our loved ones dying in Pahalgam valley.” His statement reflected the grief and anger felt by many over the tragic attack.
He also strongly condemned Pakistan for supporting terrorism and said that India has always opposed such actions. “We condemned Pakistan yesterday, we condemn them today, and we will do so tomorrow if they keep supporting terrorism,” he said. However, he accused the ruling BJP of sending mixed signals. “While you condemn Pakistan here, you attend their events and hug their leaders,” he alleged.
Kharge said that the Pahalgam attack was a result of security failure, and those responsible must resign. He referred to a statement made by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha, in which Sinha admitted there were security lapses. According to Kharge, this proves that the attack could have been prevented if better security arrangements were made.
Kharge asked why the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, has not taken responsibility for this lapse. He said, “The LG has accepted responsibility, but it is not his responsibility alone. The Home Minister must also be held accountable. It is his duty to ensure the safety of citizens.”
He further criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not attending the all-party meeting on Operation Sindoor. Kharge said that Modi’s absence showed a lack of concern and seriousness about the issue. “If the Prime Minister does not listen to us or attend these important meetings, how will democracy work?” he asked.
Kharge claimed that the government was trying to hide its failures and avoid questions. “The Home Minister and the PM must answer. Where are the terrorists who carried out this attack? What steps have been taken since the attack? Why was security not improved in an area known for its vulnerability?” he demanded.
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Kharge also accused the BJP-led Central government of being arrogant and ignoring the opposition’s concerns. He said that letters written by opposition leaders were not answered, and their voices were not being heard. “You do not even reply to our letters. This is not how a government should function,” he said.
He added that the government should not just blame others but also take responsibility. “Accepting responsibility is the first step to preventing such attacks in the future,” he said. He repeated that since the LG had admitted to a lapse in security, it is only right that the Home Minister also accepts his part in the failure.
Kharge said that only condemning Pakistan is not enough. “What matters is how you protect your own people. When innocent lives are lost, someone must be held accountable,” he insisted. He ended his speech by reminding the government of its duty towards the citizens of India and called for action instead of silence.
In summary, Mallikarjun Kharge’s speech in the Rajya Sabha strongly criticised the Modi government and the Union Home Minister over the recent Pahalgam terror attack. He blamed the attack on security lapses, questioned the absence of the Prime Minister from key discussions, and demanded resignations from those responsible. His speech added more pressure on the government to respond to the opposition’s concerns and to explain the steps being taken to ensure national security.
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