Trump’s Claims On Ceasefire ‘Humiliating’ For Country: Kharge In RS

On Monday, July 21, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions that he mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May, calling the claims “humiliating” for the nation. Kharge demanded clarification from the Indian government regarding these statements, emphasizing the need for accountability.

During a session in the Rajya Sabha, Kharge, along with other Congress party members, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address their concerns about the Pahalgam terror attack and Trump’s claims surrounding the ceasefire during Operation Sindoor. The atmosphere in the House became tense, leading to a brief adjournment due to uproar from the Opposition. The Congress party even staged a walkout when the Rajya Sabha reconvened for the Question Hour at noon.

Kharge had submitted adjournment notices under Rule 267, seeking a discussion on the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, effectively suspending the day’s scheduled business. “The prime minister should answer,” Kharge insisted, advocating for a two-day debate on the terror attack, alleged security lapses, and foreign policy implications. He recalled the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, lamenting that the perpetrators had neither been apprehended nor neutralized. “Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha himself has admitted that there has been a security lapse in Pahalgam,” Kharge pointed out.

The senior Congress leader expressed frustration over the lack of clarity from the government, stating, “All political parties had given unconditional support to the government. In such a situation, we want to know from the government what is the complete situation?” He further highlighted that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Deputy Army Chief, and a senior defence attaché had made revelations regarding Operation Sindoor, which warranted a thorough discussion.

Kharge’s concerns extended to Trump’s claims, which he noted had been made “not once but 24 times” regarding his role in facilitating the ceasefire. “This is humiliating for the country,” he asserted, calling for the government to clarify its position on the matter.

In response to Kharge’s demands, Leader of the House and Union Minister J.P. Nadda affirmed that the government was prepared to discuss all issues related to Operation Sindoor. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar also assured the agitated Opposition MPs that he would facilitate a comprehensive discussion on the topic for as long as necessary. “I will discuss the issue with leaders of various parties,” Dhankhar stated, as he adjourned the House proceedings briefly amid the uproar.

When the House reconvened at noon for the scheduled Question Hour, the Congress party once again raised the issue, leading to their walkout in protest. The discussions surrounding Operation Sindoor, which commenced on May 7, 2025, were particularly poignant in light of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians. The operation was characterized as a “calibrated, tri-services response that embodied precision, professionalism, and purpose,” aimed at dismantling the terror infrastructure across the Line of Control and deeper within Pakistan.

A ceasefire was subsequently announced on May 10, but the political ramifications of the operation and the ongoing discourse surrounding it continue to evoke strong reactions from various political factions in India. The demand for transparency and accountability remains a central theme as the Opposition seeks answers from the government regarding both the terror attack and the implications of Trump’s statements.