PM Modi Should At Least Attend All-Party Meet: Congress

On Wednesday, the Congress party expressed its expectation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would “at least” attend the all-party meeting convened by the government in response to the Indian armed forces’ recent missile strikes targeting terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

This meeting is set to take place on Thursday, following a significant military operation that was carried out in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.

Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, are confirmed attendees of the meeting, as stated by the party. “We expect PM Modi to attend at least tomorrow’s all-party meeting,” remarked Jairam Ramesh, Congress Rajya Sabha MP and general-secretary (communications), while addressing reporters.

He further emphasized the importance of the Prime Minister’s presence, noting, “We had requested for the PM’s presence on 24 April but he did not attend. He should at least attend tomorrow.”

The Indian armed forces executed missile strikes early Wednesday on nine terror targets, which included the stronghold of Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur and a base of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke. In light of these developments, the government has organized the all-party meeting to provide parliamentary representatives with a briefing on the military actions taken.

In a post on X, Ramesh articulated the Congress party’s stance on terrorism, stating, “India’s national policy is against all forms of terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and is firm and unequivocal.” He expressed pride in the Indian armed forces, commending their decisive operation, which he referred to as “Operation Sindoor.”

Ramesh stated, “We salute their courage, determination, and patriotism,” highlighting the significance of the military’s actions in the context of national security.

Since the occurrence of the Pahalgam terror attack, Ramesh noted that the Indian National Congress has consistently supported the armed forces and the government. “We have stood firmly with the Armed Forces and the government, unequivocally supporting any decisive action against cross-border terrorism,” he affirmed. This statement underscores the party’s commitment to national security and its alignment with the military’s objectives.

Ramesh further emphasized the importance of national unity in the face of such challenges, stating, “At this moment, national unity and solidarity are of utmost importance.” He reiterated the Congress party’s unwavering support for the armed forces, asserting, “Our leaders have always placed national interest above all and shown the country the path of unity and resolve.”

The upcoming all-party meeting is seen as a crucial platform for discussing the implications of the military strikes and reinforcing a united front against terrorism. The Congress party’s call for the Prime Minister’s attendance highlights the significance of leadership in times of crisis and the need for collaborative efforts among political parties to address national security concerns.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent military response, the Congress party’s statements and actions signal a commitment to standing with the armed forces and advocating for a unified approach to combating terrorism. The all-party meeting is anticipated to serve as a pivotal moment for political leaders to come together in support of the nation’s security and to discuss the way forward in addressing the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism.