Congress demands all-party meet, special Parliament session after India-Pakistan ceasefire; Indira Gandhi’s 1971 war leadership recalled
Raipur
Following the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, the Congress party has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting and call a special session of Parliament. Congress leaders drew parallels with the 1971 Indo-Pak war, recalling former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s leadership.
In Chhattisgarh, Congress leaders compared Indira Gandhi’s wartime decisions with the current situation, prompting her name to trend on social media. Users shared photos and videos from the 1971 war era, hailing her as the “Iron Lady” and contrasting her leadership with present-day developments. Hashtags like #IndiraGandhi gained traction on social media platforms.
‘Didn’t stop until we broke them’: Bhupesh Baghel
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel paid tribute to Indira Gandhi, recalling her decisions during the 1971 war in response to Pakistan’s aggression.
Former Health Minister T.S. Singh Deo praised the armed forces, while remembering Indira Gandhi’s leadership. He posted a photograph of the former Prime Minister on platform X.
Deputy CM T.S. Singh Deo stated, “I salute our armed forces, who have stood firm to protect the nation from terrorism. I also commend the spirit shown by people in border states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan during this time.”
Deepak Baij shares archival war video
State Congress president Deepak Baij shared a video from the 1971 war, captioning it, “Today, we need the same spirit that united India under Indira Gandhi’s leadership in 1971. That video proves that when the country stands together, the enemy is forced to surrender.”
The Congress party also posted an image of Indira Gandhi with the caption: “Indira Gandhi: Courage | Resolve | Leadership.”
Ceasefire announced after Trump’s post
The ceasefire declaration followed a social media post from U.S. President Donald Trump, who wrote on platform X, “After a long night of U.S.-led mediation talks, I’m pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to immediately halt all attacks. I congratulate both nations on making a decision guided by common sense.”
Meanwhile, the Indian central government issued alerts to all states, directing them to remain on high alert and be prepared for any emergency. Security agencies have been instructed to monitor all activities.
Jairam Ramesh demands political consultation
Congress communication chief Jairam Ramesh, in a national statement, put forward two major demands:
“Following the announcements from Washington D.C. and the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, it has become necessary that:
- The Prime Minister convene an all-party meeting to take political leaders into confidence.
- A special session of Parliament be called to discuss developments over the past 18 days and determine the way forward.”
Congress emphasized the need to unify the nation during this time and urged the government to initiate dialogue with all political parties.
Ceasefire violated within hours
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan came into effect at 5 pm on Saturday. However, within three hours, Pakistan reportedly violated the agreement.
By 8 pm, Pakistan had opened fire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor, Poonch, Nowshera, Srinagar, RS Pura, Samba, and Udhampur. Shelling was reported in Rajouri using artillery and mortars, while a drone attack was reported in Udhampur.
Following the escalation, blackout measures were implemented in border districts of Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Gujarat.
