Congress Critiques Government's Inaction on Khamenei's Assassination
Synopsis
The Congress party challenges the Indian government's silence on Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination, highlighting political implications and calls for accountability in Parliament.
Key Takeaways
Congress criticizes government silence on Khamenei's assassination.
Calls for parliamentary debate on foreign policy.
Concerns over geopolitical tensions impacting India.
LPG shortages linked to Middle East military actions.
Protests organized by opposition highlight growing discontent.
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) The Congress party has voiced its dissatisfaction with the government's muted response to the recent assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei. They argue that there has been insufficient acknowledgment of the event, with even Parliament failing to pay tribute.
In a post on social media platform X, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh remarked, “Ayatollah Khamenei, the constitutional leader of Iran, was assassinated on February 28, 2026, by the US and Israel. The Prime Minister remains silent. The External Affairs Minister is silent. Parliament has yet to conduct an obituary reference. While India has rightly condemned Iran’s actions against Gulf states, it remains completely silent regarding the US-Israeli aggression against Iran. It is crucial to note that Iran is a member of the BRICS+ forum, which India is currently leading.”
He further stated, “In May 2024, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi met a tragic end in a mysterious helicopter crash. The Modi government declared a day of mourning on May 21, 2024, and an obituary reference was made in Parliament on July 1, 2024.”
In his critique of the government, he questioned the reluctance to voice condemnation, implying it is an effort to sidestep upsetting the American and Israeli 'allies.'
On Thursday, Ramesh emphasized, “The Opposition is calling for discussions in both Houses of Parliament regarding the situation in West Asia and its implications for India. However, the Modi government is stubbornly resisting such a debate. It is evidently fearful and its foreign policy has been laid bare.”
The Congress party's rebuke comes after India expressed condolences on March 5 for the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed amid the US-Israel conflict regarding Iran on February 28. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in the national capital. Recently, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has been in contact with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
Led by Congress, the opposition has organized protests outside Parliament, raising concerns not only over escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia but also the domestic fallout, notably the reported shortage of LPG cylinders nationwide.
This LPG crisis is attributed to military escalations in the Middle East, particularly disruptions caused by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Businesses in various regions, including Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, are adapting by turning to alternative cooking methods, such as induction cooking.
Point of View
Yet the Indian government's lack of response raises critical questions about its foreign policy stance and engagement with international allies. The Congress party's calls for parliamentary debate reflect growing concerns about the implications of this silence on India's standing in global politics.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Ayatollah Khamenei?
Ayatollah Khamenei was assassinated on February 28, 2026, reportedly by US and Israeli forces.
How has the Indian government responded?
The Indian government has faced criticism for its silence and lack of formal acknowledgment regarding the assassination.
What are the opposition's concerns?
The opposition, led by Congress, is concerned about the implications of the government's silence on India's foreign policy and regional stability.
What is the connection between this event and LPG shortages in India?
The LPG shortages in India are reportedly linked to military tensions in the Middle East, particularly disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
What actions has Congress taken in response?
Congress has staged protests and demanded discussions in Parliament regarding the geopolitical situation in West Asia.
