India's Moral Compass: Congress Slams PM Modi's 'Shameful Silence' on Gaza Atrocities

The political landscape in India is reverberating with strong criticism from the Opposition Congress party, which has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a profound betrayal of India's long-standing foreign policy and moral principles. At the heart of this storm is the Prime Minister's conspicuous silence on the escalating atrocities unfolding in Gaza, a silence that Congress leaders deem "shameful" and a grave abdication of responsibility.

Leading the charge, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh didn't mince words during a fervent march organized by the party to protest the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

He asserted that India's proud legacy, built on principles of non-alignment and a resolute voice against injustice on the global stage, is being systematically dismantled. Ramesh underscored that this government's perceived inaction not only compromises India's moral standing but also diminishes its stature within the Global South, a bloc where India traditionally held significant influence.

Historically, India has been an unwavering advocate for the Palestinian cause, a stance rooted in its own colonial past and commitment to self-determination.

From Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi, and even extending to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Indian leaders have consistently spoken out against oppression and injustice, offering solidarity to those facing hardship. Ramesh highlighted this rich heritage, directly contrasting it with the current administration's perceived reticence, which he termed "moral cowardice."

The Congress party firmly believes that by choosing silence, the Modi government has "abandoned" the very tenets of India's non-aligned foreign policy.

This abandonment, they argue, is not merely a diplomatic shift but a moral failing that signals a disturbing trend of "double standards" and "hypocrisy." The party expressed profound disappointment that a nation which once championed the oppressed now appears hesitant to raise its voice in the face of widespread human suffering.

During the protest, Congress leaders reiterated their unequivocal support for the Palestinian people, condemning all forms of violence against civilians and emphasizing the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire.

They called for unhindered humanitarian aid to reach the besieged residents of Gaza, highlighting the dire conditions on the ground. The party's unwavering message was clear: India must reclaim its moral authority and speak out forcefully against the egregious violations of human rights.

The demand from the Congress is unequivocal: Prime Minister Modi must break his silence.

They urge him to reaffirm India's traditional, principled stance on the Palestine issue, to condemn the violence, and to advocate for peace and justice. This political confrontation underscores a deep ideological rift on India's global role and its commitment to universal human values, forcing a critical examination of the nation's diplomatic trajectory in an increasingly complex world.