BJP Accuses Sonia Gandhi of Misrepresenting India's Gaza Policy, Says Congress Playing Vote Bank Politics

By Mahima Katal New Delhi, June 27: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday hit back at Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over her criticism of the Centre's handling of the Gaza conflict, accusing her of attempting to "misinform" the public and alleging that the Congress prioritises "vote bank politics" over foreign policy.

The BJP's response came after Gandhi, in an opinion article published in national daily, described the Narendra Modi government's "silence and inaction on Israel's Gaza genocide" as "morally reprehensible" and contrary to India's national interest. She alleged that India's stance had alienated traditional partners such as Palestine and Iran, distanced the country from global public opinion, and allowed Pakistan to position itself as a mediator in the region.

Responding to the article, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said India has consistently articulated its position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, provided humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and supported United Nations resolutions calling for a ceasefire.

"Sonia Gandhi, through her article, is trying to misinform people and conceal the real truth," Poonawalla said in a video statement, adding that India's position has been expressed on multiple international platforms.

He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic outreach, claiming that India has maintained engagement with countries on opposing sides of global conflicts.

"It is Prime Minister Modi who has been able to maintain dialogue with both Israel and Palestine, the United States and Russia, as well as Ukraine, and with Western nations and Iran simultaneously. This is not non-alignment but all-alignment," he said.

Poonawalla further noted that Modi has received more than 30 highest civilian honours from countries worldwide, including several Muslim-majority nations, and said this reflected India's balanced foreign policy.

The BJP spokesperson also accused the Congress of allowing electoral considerations to influence its foreign policy. He alleged that previous Congress governments did not develop ties with Israel due to "vote bank politics" and claimed the party had failed to unequivocally condemn Hamas' attacks on Israel.

He further alleged that while the Congress speaks about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Rafah, it remains silent on issues concerning Hindus in Dhaka.

In her article, Gandhi argued that India's constitutional values and historical support for the Palestinian cause require the country to speak against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the displacement of Palestinian families in the occupied West Bank. She also said India's national interest demands alignment with growing international concern over Israel's military actions in the region.