Sonia Gandhi to Steer Congress Strategy Amid Tense Build-Up to Monsoon Session

New Delhi : With the Monsoon session of Parliament slated to begin on July 21, Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) leader Sonia Gandhi is set to hold a crucial meeting on July 15 at her 10, Janpath residence. This meeting aims to fine-tune the Congress party’s legislative and political strategy in anticipation of major confrontations with the government across multiple national concerns.

Party insiders confirm that the strategy meeting will be attended by key Congress figures, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. With tensions rising over electoral reforms and recent national security developments, the Congress party is determined to present a united and aggressive front.

A key concern likely to dominate the discussions is the Election Commission’s move to initiate a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Congress, along with other opposition parties, views this as a suspicious development with potential implications for electoral fairness and representation.

Another major topic on the agenda is the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22. Following this, the Indian armed forces launched “Operation Sindoor” targeting terror infrastructure across the border. The Congress has been vocal in its demand for a detailed debate in Parliament on the circumstances leading up to the strike and the operation’s aftermath.

Additionally, the party plans to press the government for clarity on diplomatic exchanges following US President Donald Trump’s controversial claims of mediating between India and Pakistan to avert a possible nuclear conflict. The Indian government has categorically denied any such engagement, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirming India’s stance against third-party mediation. The Congress seeks a more transparent statement in Parliament to put the matter to rest.

This Monsoon session is expected to be more intense and longer than usual, with the government extending it till August 21—nine days longer than initially planned. This extension signals the government’s intent to push a dense legislative agenda, including key amendments in the nuclear sector.

The Centre is preparing to introduce bills to amend the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act and the Atomic Energy Act, in line with the Union Budget’s proposal to allow private sector participation in the atomic energy domain. The Congress is likely to oppose this move, citing concerns over national security, liability, and transparency.

In conclusion, Sonia Gandhi’s leadership of this strategic meet marks a critical phase in shaping the opposition’s collective voice in the upcoming session. With various sensitive national issues poised for debate, the Congress plans to sharpen its stance and ensure the government is held accountable on matters that directly impact national security, democracy, and diplomacy.