Rajya Sabha Showdown: Opposition Walkout Over PM Modi’s Absence Sparks Political Firestorm
In a ferocious protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence during a crucial discussion on Operation Sindoor, opposition parties, led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a dramatic walkout from the Rajya Sabha on July 30, 2025. Tensions erupted during the 16-hour debate, which focused on India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, as opposition MPs insisted that Modi attend in order to answer their pointed questions. The opposition’s departure sparked a heated discussion about political optics, national security, and parliamentary protocol as Union Home Minister Amit Shah stood up to answer. What motivated this audacious action, and what does it signify for the political climate in India? Let’s examine the controversy that is roiling New Delhi.
As Shah started his closing remarks on Operation Sindoor, a counterterrorism operation targeting Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives connected to the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, the walkout broke out, according to The Hindu. The Leader of the Opposition, Kharge, referred to Modi’s absence as a “insult to the Upper House,” contending that the Prime Minister, who was in Parliament, ought to have personally addressed the issues brought up during the protracted discussion. After 16 hours of debate, during which the Prime Minister was the target of multiple questions, we had hoped he would show up. As opposition MPs chanted “PM ko bulao” (Call the Prime Minister) before leaving, Kharge said, “His absence is an insult.”
Shah retaliated by accusing the opposition of using “political theatre” to avoid facing the reality of their past inadequacies in combating terrorism. He emphasized that Shah was assigned to respond, and that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) had decided that the government could select its respondent. Shah accused the opposition of putting vote-bank politics ahead of national security, saying, “You agreed to the debate, and now you walk out because you can’t face the facts.” He emphasized the success of Operation Sindoor, pointing out that three terrorists were killed in Operation Mahadev, and he promised that the Modi administration would eradicate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Opinions are divided over the opposition’s action. Proponents, such as Congressman Jairam Ramesh, contend that Modi’s absence compromises the integrity of parliament, particularly when it comes to a significant national issue. This was echoed by posts on X, such as those from @sagarikaghose, who referred to it as a “gross insult” to the Rajya Sabha. On the other hand, BJP-aligned voices, like @CharuPragya, called the walkout a staged drama, pointing out that the opposition had previously agreed to Shah’s response in the BAC. The conflict highlights underlying tensions between the government’s assertion of strategic focus amidst a hectic schedule and the opposition’s demand to hold Modi accountable.
Political narratives may change as a result of this incident before important elections. While the BJP presents the walkout as an avoidance of harsh anti-terrorism realities, the opposition seeks to paint Modi as aloof. Voter perceptions may be influenced by the fallout because public opinion is divided, with some viewing it as disruptive theatrics and others as principled protest. Will this confrontation strengthen the BJP’s national security credentials or inspire the opposition? The country is watching a high-stakes political drama play out as the Indian Parliament struggles with these issues.
