The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday launched a sharp counterattack against Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, accusing her of remaining 'silent on Hindus in Dhaka' while penning an op-ed critical of India's position on the Gaza conflict. The BJP's response came a day after Gandhi's article in a leading newspaper questioned the government's diplomatic approach to the Israel-Hamas war.
BJP's Accusation of Selective Outrage
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, 'Sonia Gandhi sheds crocodile tears for Gaza but has no word for the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. Her silence on the atrocities against minorities in our neighborhood exposes the Congress's vote-bank politics.' The BJP pointed to recent attacks on Hindu temples and businesses in Dhaka, claiming the Congress has deliberately ignored these incidents to appease a particular community.
Gandhi's Op-Ed on Gaza
In her op-ed published on Thursday, Sonia Gandhi wrote, 'India's silence on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a betrayal of our historical solidarity with the Palestinian people. The government must immediately call for a ceasefire and resume aid to UNRWA.' She also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for 'abandoning' the principles of non-alignment and human rights.
Congress Defends Its Position
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh defended Gandhi, saying, 'The BJP is diverting attention from the real issue. Sonia Gandhi has always spoken against human rights violations anywhere in the world. Her article was about Gaza, and it is the BJP that is trying to communalize the debate.' Ramesh added that the Congress has consistently raised concerns about minority rights in Bangladesh through parliamentary questions and diplomatic channels.
Impact on Domestic Politics
The exchange highlights the sharp divisions in Indian politics over foreign policy, with the BJP accusing the Congress of double standards. Political analyst Neerja Chowdhury noted, 'This is a classic case of domestic politics playing out on international issues. The BJP wants to brand the Congress as pro-Muslim and anti-Hindu, while the Congress wants to position itself as a defender of human rights.' The controversy is expected to intensify as general elections approach next year.
