– Abdul Bari Masoud
New Delhi: The Congress party strongly criticized the Indian government on Tuesday following the unexpected announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan by US President Donald Trump. It also condemned the partisan politics of some BJP leaders during these sensitive times.
Speaking at a press conference, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel, questioned whether the government has abandoned its historical stance against third-party mediation in Kashmir and whether it has forsaken the Shimla Agreement. “Has Indian diplomacy failed? Under what circumstances did President Trump make this announcement?” he asked, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability.
He voiced public concern over what this development means for India’s longstanding policy on Kashmir.
Baghel urged the government to clarify what commitments have been made to Pakistan prior to agreeing to the ceasefire. He announced that the Congress party has demanded an all-party meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as a special session of Parliament, to discuss these critical issues. He also made it clear that the Congress would not participate in the meeting if the Prime Minister chooses to abstain, as he has in earlier sessions.
Reiterating his concerns, Baghel noted that the focus of discourse appears to be shifting from terrorism to Kashmir itself, aligning with Trump’s statements. “The core issue is terrorism, not Kashmir,” he stressed.
Additionally, Baghel expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of security issues, particularly questioning the status of those responsible for the recent attack on tourists in Pahalgam. “What has happened to those terrorists? Have they been apprehended or neutralized?” he demanded, insisting that the government must take responsibility for security lapses.
Replying to a question about the 1994 unanimous parliamentary resolution to reclaim Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, he said that the mood in the country was in favor of action. However, he expressed shock over Trump’s sudden announcement of the ceasefire, calling it a significant diplomatic setback for India.
“This is a grave diplomatic failure that leaves India isolated,” Baghel claimed, pointing out that even traditional allies like Russia have remained silent during this crisis. He drew historical parallels, recalling how numerous nations supported India during the Non-Aligned Movement under leaders such as Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi.
Further, Baghel condemned some BJP leaders for engaging in “partisan politics” during this sensitive time, accusing them of appropriating the achievements of the Indian armed forces. He reaffirmed the Congress party’s pride in the military’s efforts to retaliate against terrorist camps in Pakistan.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Congress party is calling for clarity and accountability from the Indian government regarding its foreign policy and diplomatic strategy concerning Pakistan.
