Sonia Gandhi Questions Centre’s Gaza Policy, BJP Hits Back
Congress leader alleges India's silence on Gaza undermines its historic support for Palestine; BJP rejects charge
- Sonia Gandhi criticised the Centre’s stance on the Gaza conflict in an opinion article.
- She alleged India has remained largely silent on civilian suffering in Gaza.
- BJP accused the Congress of pursuing vote-bank politics on foreign policy.
- The ruling party said India has consistently articulated its position and extended humanitarian assistance.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 27th June: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has questioned the Centre’s approach towards the Gaza conflict, alleging that India has remained largely silent on the humanitarian crisis and departed from its longstanding support for Palestinian rights.
In an opinion article, Gandhi argued that India’s position on Gaza reflects a broader shift in foreign policy, claiming the government has prioritised closer ties with Israel over its historical commitment to the Palestinian cause. Citing a recent United Nations report, she referred to the humanitarian toll of the conflict and called on the government to speak more forcefully against civilian suffering.
Gandhi said India’s continued silence was “morally reprehensible” and contrary to the country’s long-standing foreign policy traditions. She argued that India risks weakening its global standing by moving away from its historic support for Palestine.
The Bharatiya Janata Party strongly rejected the criticism, accusing the Congress of attempting to mislead the public and using foreign policy for vote-bank politics.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said India has repeatedly articulated its position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, supported ceasefire-related resolutions at the United Nations and provided humanitarian assistance to Gaza. He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had received Palestine’s highest civilian honour.
Poonawalla alleged that the Congress selectively comments on international issues for political reasons, saying the party’s approach to foreign policy is influenced by electoral considerations rather than national interest.
