The Congress party has taken a sharp dig at the Modi-led central government, claiming that members of the Opposition included in the recent diplomatic delegations are doing a better job of conveying India’s position on terrorism than those from the ruling BJP. This comes amidst growing political heat following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Congress Points to ‘Operation Sindoor’ Outreach
As part of the government’s diplomatic initiative, dubbed Operation Sindoor, seven all-party delegations have been dispatched to various countries to present India’s stance on cross-border terrorism, particularly from Pakistan. Interestingly, five prominent Congress leaders—Shashi Tharoor, Anand Sharma, Manish Tewari, Amar Singh, and Salman Khurshid—are part of these delegations.
Congress believes these leaders are doing a commendable job. “Members from the Opposition are putting forward India’s views with clarity and strength, in contrast to the ruling party MPs, who seem more focused on social media theatrics,” said Pawan Khera, the party’s media and publicity head.
Accusations Against the BJP: ‘Politics Over Patriotism’
Khera didn’t hold back in criticizing the government. He accused the BJP of indulging in low-level politics even in the aftermath of a terror attack. “Instead of targeting Pakistan, some members of the ruling party are more interested in attacking Congress on social media,” he said.
Without naming names, he also criticized certain BJP MPs for allegedly treating the foreign visit like a tourist trip—“posting poisonous content online” instead of focusing on the diplomatic mission.
A Broader Critique of Foreign Policy
The Congress didn’t stop at the delegations. Khera extended the criticism to the broader foreign policy framework of the Modi government. He highlighted several recent developments that he believes reflect India’s waning influence on the global stage:
- Kuwait has removed visa restrictions on Pakistani nationals.
- The UAE now allows Pakistanis to apply for its five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
- Even Nepal and Bhutan, traditionally close allies of India, have remained neutral in the current diplomatic standoff.
- China and Pakistan, meanwhile, appear to be strengthening ties.
“These are clear indicators that India’s global standing is being compromised,” Khera argued, adding that the government seems more focused on public relations and nationalist rhetoric than effective diplomacy.
Patriotism vs Posturing?
The Congress party’s message is clear: it sees itself—and other Opposition leaders—as more responsible and patriotic in a time of national crisis, while accusing the BJP of prioritizing political point-scoring over genuine diplomacy.
As the international diplomatic missions continue, the contrast in narratives between the ruling party and the Opposition is likely to deepen, especially as both sides prepare for a charged political season ahead.
