Guwahati, July 20: Assam Congress president and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to directly address the nation’s pressing issues in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, which begins on Monday.
Gogoi called on the government to speak in Parliament about the negligence surrounding the Pehelgam terror attack and remarks made by the then Lieutenant Governor. “A long time has passed. The government must make its statement on this very important issue,” he said.
He emphasised that after a string of serious incidents, the country expects clear and meaningful answers from the government. “We expect the Prime Minister to spend more time in Parliament this session and speak directly to the people,” Gogoi said.
Highlighting his key concerns, Gogoi outlined three major areas requiring urgent attention and cited alarming concerns raised by senior Army officers regarding India’s borders with China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. He criticised US President Donald Trump’s past remarks questioning India’s military strength and stressed that only the Prime Minister—not ministers or press statements—can adequately respond. He also called for detailed discussions on defence and foreign policy, as demanded by the Congress in earlier sessions.
Gogoi raised concerns about citizens’ voting rights and accused the Election Commission of avoiding dialogue with political parties and failing to provide transparency. “The dream of an impartial Election Commission envisioned by the Constitution’s framers appears disrupted,” he said. He demanded that the Prime Minister clarify the government’s stance on the Commission’s functioning.
Gogoi expressed deep concern over the prolonged ethnic conflict in Manipur, where violence has persisted for over a year. “The Prime Minister promised peace would return soon. That promise remains unfulfilled,” he said, criticising Modi’s willingness to travel globally while avoiding a visit to the violence-hit northeastern state.
Gogoi stressed the need for unity in supporting the armed forces, regardless of political affiliation. “Just as we stood united during past conflicts with Pakistan, we must come together again to back our soldiers in Parliament,” he added.
Calling for accountability, transparency, and leadership, Gogoi concluded, “We hope this session allows for meaningful and constructive debate on the issues that matter most to the people.”
