New Delhi: NDA leaders on Saturday pushed back at Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi after she criticised the Centre’s position on the Gaza conflict, saying India’s approach reflects global concerns and pursues peace.
In an opinion piece, Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of “stony silence” and “inaction,” calling it morally wrong and counter to national interest.
BJP leader T.R. Sriniwas told IANS Gandhi was taking “a narrow view” and stressed India speaks for “the entire world,” advocating cessation of violence and negotiations. “We cannot blame one party; everybody has a collective responsibility for peace and this is where we stand in this muti-polar world,” he said.
BJP’s Manmeet Singh accused Gandhi of practising “divisive politics.” Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC pointed to the Ministry of External Affairs’ diplomatic efforts and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s humanitarian aid to Gaza as evidence of India’s engagement.
JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said India has long supported Palestine and added, “We don't need a certificate from Sonia Gandhi,” noting a consensus on the country’s foreign policy.
Defending Gandhi, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said she wrote with a “heavy heart,” accusing the government of moving away from India’s traditional stance on Palestine and criticising the absence of a clear condemnation of civilian deaths in Gaza. He rejected claims the Congress was motivated by vote bank politics, calling such suggestions “shameful” and “foolish.”
Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy also backed Gandhi, saying the government should have spoken out over civilian casualties in Gaza and recalling India’s earlier silence when the US and Israel struck Iran.
(Inputs from IANS)