New Delhi, March 3 (NationPress) Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) criticized Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for her remarks questioning the Indian government's position on the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following the joint US-Israel strikes. Gandhi pointed out that the absence of an official statement on this issue is not a neutral stance, but rather an "abdication" of duty. She also referenced Tehran's backing of New Delhi at the UN during the Kashmir discussions in 1994.

In an op-ed published in The Indian Express titled 'The government's silence on the killing of Iran's leader is not neutral; it's abdication,' she remarked, "The assassination of a sitting head of state amid ongoing negotiations represents a significant disruption in contemporary international relations. What stands out beyond the shock of the event is New Delhi's silence."

According to her, the Government of India has "failed to denounce the assassination or the infringement on Iranian sovereignty."

Leaders from the ruling NDA defended the government's position, stating that Sonia Gandhi's criticisms were "incorrect" and "unwarranted," emphasizing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently promoted peace.

Responding to Gandhi's comments, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal stated, "If she (Sonia Gandhi) has made such assertions, the government will take appropriate measures as deemed necessary. The government has periodically addressed such matters in Parliament and will decide on its course of action accordingly."

UP Minister O.P. Rajbhar remarked to IANS, "Her statements are misguided. The Prime Minister has engaged in dialogue with both nations and initiated peace efforts. There is a stark contrast between her views and those of PM Modi, who has always pursued peace."

Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav expressed that the government has acted "responsibly" in this context.

Speaking to IANS, Yadav noted, "Our government is committed to responsibility and has never shied away from its obligations. We are closely observing all developments and will decide on actions and resolutions at the appropriate time. We are a peace-loving nation."

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar also criticized Sonia Gandhi's assertions, stating, "Her questioning of India's foreign policy seems inappropriate. Discussions will occur when necessary, and the session will be convened accordingly."

In contrast, the Congress party supported Sonia Gandhi, claiming that the Government of India has "never appeared as weak" as it has in this instance, with no opinion expressed.

Congress leader Udit Raj told IANS, "The Indian government has never been as feeble and inconsequential. For the first time, during such a significant global event, the Indian government has not articulated any stance—no solution, no intervention, no opinion."

In her op-ed, Sonia Gandhi emphasized, "Silence in this case is not neutral" and contended that the assassination was executed "without a formal declaration of war and during an active diplomatic process."

She cited Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which forbids the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

"A targeted killing of a sitting head of state undermines these fundamental principles. If such actions go unchallenged by the world's largest democracy, it becomes easier to normalize the erosion of international norms," she stated.

The Congress Rajya Sabha member further criticized the Prime Minister for his "unwavering support" of the Israeli government under Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly regarding the Gaza conflict, arguing that India's "high-profile political endorsement without moral clarity reflects a significant and troubling deviation."

She reiterated Congress' condemnation of the assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader, labeling the act as a "dangerous escalation with severe regional and global ramifications."