Sonia Gandhi Criticizes India's Gaza Stance; BJP Alleges Vote Bank Politics

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has ignited a significant political debate in India with her opinion piece, primarily published in The Indian Express on June 27, 2026, where she sharply criticized the Narendra Modi government's approach to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Gandhi's op-ed, titled 'India remains silent on Gaza, while the world continues to speak up,' argued that the Modi government's 'stony silence and inaction' on what she termed Israel's 'Gaza genocide' are not only 'morally reprehensible' but also 'inexplicable from a national interest perspective.' In her article, Gandhi asserted that India has alienated its long-standing historical allies, including Palestine, Iran, and the broader West Asia region, by its current stance. She further claimed that India has distanced itself from global public opinion and, in doing so, allowed Pakistan to assume the role of a mediator in the region. Gandhi's critique also highlighted what she described as a 'bewildering strategic decision' by Prime Minister Modi to visit Israel, specifically mentioning it occurred days before an alleged US-Israel joint attack on Iran, a claim made within her op-ed. Drawing upon international reports, Gandhi referred to findings by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. She stated that the 'latest report,' which she claimed was 'headed by retired Justice S Muralidhar,' detailed widespread destruction in Gaza and alleged the deliberate targeting of children and civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. She cited alarming figures, including over 20,000 children killed and 44,000 injured, and the destruction of nearly 97% of Gaza's schools. Gandhi also noted that various Western countries, such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, have recognized Palestinian statehood or imposed restrictions on arms sales to Israel, while South Africa has approached the International Court of Justice concerning alleged violations of the Genocide Convention. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly retaliated, dismissing Gandhi's criticisms as politically motivated 'vote bank politics.' BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Sonia Gandhi of attempting to 'misinform and conceal the real truth' about India's position on the Gaza issue. He argued that India has consistently articulated its stance on the Gaza and Palestine issue on multiple occasions, provided tangible humanitarian aid, and voted in favor of United Nations resolutions calling for a ceasefire. Poonawalla also highlighted that Prime Minister Modi had received Palestine's highest civilian honor, suggesting India's balanced approach. Other BJP leaders, including Ram Kadam and T.R. Srinivas, echoed these sentiments, with Srinivas alleging Gandhi's article was an attempt to appease Muslims. Within the Congress party, Sonia Gandhi's article garnered strong support. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge publicly endorsed her 'evocative' article, echoing concerns about the Modi government's 'silence and inaction' and its perceived failure to maintain India's traditional standing among key partners in the Middle East. Kharge reiterated Gandhi's point that India has 'distanced ourselves from global public opinion.' Rahul Gandhi also weighed in, intensifying his criticism of the Centre's foreign policy. He asserted that India is 'slipping further into Israel's strategic orbit' at a time when global sentiment is increasingly turning against Israel's actions in Gaza, urging India to 'reclaim its independent foreign policy' and speak with 'moral clarity.' Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh previously accused Prime Minister Modi of exhibiting 'blind devotion' to Israel, suggesting this stance harms India's national interests while protecting what he termed the 'Modani empire.' India's official position on the Israel-Hamas conflict, as articulated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has consistently supported a negotiated two-state solution for a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine, coexisting peacefully with Israel. India unequivocally condemned the terror attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent loss of civilian lives. The government has repeatedly called for restraint, de-escalation, a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, and the release of all hostages. Furthermore, India has provided substantial humanitarian aid to Palestine, including medicines and medical supplies, since the beginning of the conflict. While India initially abstained from a UNGA resolution calling for a humanitarian truce because it did not explicitly condemn Hamas, it has also voted in favor of UN resolutions advocating for a ceasefire and reiterated its position in various multilateral forums, demonstrating a nuanced and evolving diplomatic approach. The news reflects a significant divergence in political opinions within India regarding the nation's foreign policy on a critical international issue, highlighting the complexities of balancing historical diplomatic traditions with contemporary geopolitical realities.

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