CPI(M) Joins All-Party Delegations on Operation Sindoor Despite Reservations

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Saturday confirmed that it will take part in the government’s all-party international delegations following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, citing national interest—despite holding serious reservations about the government’s approach.

In a statement, the CPI(M) reiterated its demand for a special session of Parliament to discuss the terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent counter-terror operation. “It is unfortunate that the Prime Minister and his government have refused to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss these critical national security developments,” the party said.

The CPI(M) called on the government to immediately convene Parliament, brief the nation, and allow elected representatives to seek clarifications. The party’s Rajya Sabha leader, John Brittas, will be part of one of the seven multi-party delegations that will travel to key global capitals as part of India’s diplomatic outreach to convey its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.

“Though we have strong reservations about the government’s lack of transparency and reluctance to engage Parliament, we believe it is in the larger national interest to participate in these delegations,” the CPI(M) said, explaining its decision.

The party also criticized the government for briefing only the chief ministers of BJP and NDA-ruled states on Operation Sindoor, calling it “discriminatory” on a matter of national importance. “All chief ministers, regardless of political affiliation, must be briefed. This is not a partisan issue—it concerns the entire country,” the statement said.

The CPI(M) also took issue with what it described as attempts by ruling party leaders and some state ministers to communalise the issue. “The government must be accountable first and foremost to the people of India. Efforts to communalise the situation are dangerous and must stop immediately,” the party said.

The government, earlier in the day, announced that seven all-party delegations will be sent to key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council, to present India’s united stance against terrorism. According to the Parliamentary Affairs Ministry, the delegations will reflect India’s “national consensus” and its “resolute approach to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations.”