Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra sparks heated exchange over Pahalgam massacre during Operation Sindoor debate.
Priyanka Gandhi Reads Names to Honor Pahalgam Victims
During a special Lok Sabha debate on Operation Sindoor, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra read aloud the names of the 25 Indian victims killed in the tragic Pahalgam massacre of April 22. This brutal terrorist attack in the scenic Baisaran Valley claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepali tourist.
- Priyanka Gandhi emphasized the humanity behind the victims: “They were sons of this country. We are answerable to their families. They deserve to know the truth.”
- She urged MPs to remember the victims as humans, not political pawns.
Heated Exchange Between Treasury and Opposition Benches
As Priyanka Gandhi began reading the first name, the treasury benches interrupted loudly, shouting:
“Hindu!”
In response, Ms. Gandhi firmly replied:
“Bharatiya” (Indian).
This sparked a loud and emotional face-off, with shouts of “Hindu” from the treasury benches and “Indian” from the opposition echoing across the Lok Sabha after each victim’s name was read.
Background: The Pahalgam Massacre
- Date: April 22, 2025
- Location: Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam
- Victims: 26 civilians killed (25 Indians, 1 Nepali tourist)
- Attackers: Terrorists targeting civilians based on religion
Why This Matters
- Priyanka Gandhi’s gesture sought to humanize the victims amidst politically charged debates.
- The incident underscored deep divisions in Parliament, reflecting wider social and political tensions over communal identity in India.
- The debate on Operation Sindoor brought national security and communal harmony to the forefront.
Conclusion
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s reading of the Pahalgam victims’ names in Lok Sabha was a powerful reminder of the human cost of terrorism. The spirited exchange between the treasury and opposition benches highlights ongoing challenges in addressing sensitive issues in Indian politics, especially concerning national identity and communal harmony.
Also Read : Operation Mahadev: How Indian Forces Eliminated Pahalgam Attack Mastermind in Under 3 Hours