Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, along with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the prompt convening of a special session of both Houses of Parliament. This request comes in response to the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The assault, claimed by ‘The Resistance Front’—a faction of the banned Pakistani terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba—resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to several others, including a Nepali national, as terrorists targeted a group of tourists in Baisaran Valley.

In his letter dated April 28, Gandhi emphasized the importance of Parliament uniting to express solidarity against this heinous act of violence. He stated, “The terrorist attack in Pahalgam has shocked every Indian. In these trying times, India must show that we stand united against terrorism. The Opposition believes a special session should be convened, allowing representatives of the people to demonstrate their unity and determination.”

Kharge, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the special session would serve as a strong symbol of collective resolve. He noted, “At this critical juncture, unity and solidarity are vital. It is crucial to convene a special session of both Houses to express our collective will to respond to the brutal attack on innocent citizens on April 22, 2025. We sincerely hope this session will be arranged promptly.”

Additionally, RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha has also written to Prime Minister Modi, advocating for a special parliamentary session to discuss urgent national security issues raised by the Pahalgam attack. In his letter, Jha expressed grave concern, stating, “As a worried citizen of India, moved by the seriousness of the recent Pahalgam attack, I believe Parliament, as the cornerstone of our Republic, must serve as the platform for the hopes, anxieties, and resolve of the people.”

He called for a special session “dedicated solely to a transparent and principled discussion about the Pahalgam attack and its wider implications for the security and aspirations of the Indian populace. This session would send a strong message indicating our democracy’s resilience and our unwavering commitment to all regions of our nation, particularly those most affected by violence.”

The Central government briefed leaders from various political parties regarding the Pahalgam attack during an all-party meeting led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and addressed by Home Minister Amit Shah. Rahul Gandhi attended the gathering and expressed full support for the government’s planned actions.

The Congress party assured the government of its unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the innocent lives lost in Pahalgam due to the attack.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin conducted a minor cabinet reshuffle on Monday following the resignations of Excise Minister V Senthil Balaji and Forest Minister K Ponmudy. Former Dairy Development Minister Mano Thangaraj has made a return to the cabinet.

Thangaraj was sworn in at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan, where Governor R N Ravi administered the oath of office and secrecy. The event was attended by Chief Minister Stalin, his son and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with other ministers and officials. Udhayanidhi continues to hold the third position in the order of protocol, following Chief Minister Stalin and veteran minister K Duraimurugan, who oversees irrigation.

Representing the Padmanabapuram constituency in Kanyakumari district, Thangaraj will be responsible for Dairy Development, a role currently held by Raja Kannappan. He is known to have close ties with Kanimozhi, the party’s prominent female leader and MP. With Thangaraj’s induction, the coastal district once again has representation in the council of ministers.

On Sunday, the portfolios of Senthil Balaji and Ponmudy were reallocated. Raja Kannappan has taken over the Forest Department. Transport Minister SS Sivasankar has also assumed additional responsibilities for Electricity, while Housing Minister S Muthusamy now oversees Prohibition and Excise.

Muthusamy, originally from Erode in Western Tamil Nadu, recently transitioned from the AIADMK to the DMK. He previously managed the Prohibition and Excise portfolio during the time when Senthil Balaji was appointed Minister without Portfolio following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate.

Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir became a trending topic on social media, with many users inquiring about his whereabouts. Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, and following Munir’s contentious remarks, rumors emerged on X claiming that the Pakistani General either fled the country or was hiding in an underground bunker in Rawalpindi.

Hashtags #MunirOut and #MunirMIA trended on X on Monday. Just days prior to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Munir referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “Jugular Vein” and asserted that Hindus and Muslims are “two separate nations.”

During his address at a Convention for Overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad, Munir stated, “Our stance is unequivocal: it is our jugular vein, it will remain our jugular vein, and we will not abandon our Kashmiri brothers in their courageous struggle.”

Following the attack, he continued to emphasize the two-nation theory while addressing the passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, Abbottabad. He remarked that the theory rests on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus constitute two distinct nations. “Muslims differ from Hindus in all aspects—religion, customs, traditions, beliefs, and aspirations,” he stated.

Munir further declared that Pakistan’s existence resulted from “unparalleled struggle and sacrifices,” and underscored that its defense is a duty of the armed forces, saying, “Our forefathers sacrificed greatly for Pakistan’s creation. We know how to protect it.”

To dispel the rumors regarding the Army Chief’s disappearance, the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office released a photo featuring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Munir at an event, with a caption noting the date and location. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and officers of PMA Kakul in a group photo with graduating officers of the 151st Long Course at PMA Kakul, Abbottabad. April 2025. (sic),” read the caption.

Unverified claims circulating on social media suggested not only that Munir was missing but also that there had been no updates regarding his family. Rumors indicated that his family had reportedly fled the country following the Pahalgam attack.