Internal Disputes Emerge Within Congress Over Key Issues

Once again, divisions are surfacing within the Congress party. Sensitive topics such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, India's foreign policy, and the supply of LPG in the country have led to differing opinions among the party's top leadership and senior members. While Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has been critical of the Modi government's diplomatic strategies, prominent leaders like Kamal Nath, Anand Sharma, Shashi Tharoor, and Manish Tewari have surprisingly praised the government's actions.

In light of the escalating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the USA, Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized the Modi administration's stance, labeling India's current foreign policy as weak and compromising. He has also urged the central government to condemn the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Contrarily, senior party member Shashi Tharoor has described the government's approach as responsible diplomacy. This statement starkly contrasts with Rahul's narrative, which portrays the government as failing on the diplomatic front. In a similar vein, Anand Sharma commended the government's diplomatic management of the Middle East crisis, emphasizing the need for national unity and consensus during such sensitive times.

Kamal Nath Addresses LPG Supply Concerns
While the Congress leadership is strategizing to criticize the government over a supposed LPG shortage, former Chief Minister Kamal Nath has countered his party's claims. He clearly stated that there is no shortage of gas in the state or the country, asserting, “There is no LPG crisis; it is merely a narrative being created that supply is low.”

Nath's remarks have provided the BJP with an opportunity to attack Congress. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia responded by stating that if Congress's own leaders acknowledge there is no fuel shortage, the party should stop spreading fear among the public for political gain.

History of Disputes Within Congress
This is not the first instance of a debate within Congress regarding national interest versus party lines. The roots of this conflict trace back to Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, when India destroyed terrorist bases in Pakistan, Rahul Gandhi questioned the government's political will.

At that time, Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari distanced themselves from Rahul's stance, supporting the valor of the Indian Army and the government's decision. Interestingly, when the government sent a cross-party delegation abroad regarding Operation Sindoor, Congress's official suggestions were overlooked, and Tharoor and Tewari were included, leading to Congress denying them the opportunity to speak during parliamentary discussions.

Factionalism in Congress?
The emergence of these two factions within Congress has intensified political discussions. On one side is Rahul Gandhi's aggressive leadership, aiming to challenge the government at every turn, while on the other is a group of seasoned leaders who prefer to align with the government on issues like international relations and security. Senior leader Manish Tewari stated during a TV discussion that the government is likely taking the right steps concerning the West Asia conflict. Anand Sharma also noted India's historical and civilizational ties with Iran, emphasizing the importance of energy security, which the government is managing effectively.

BJP's Sharp Critique
Commenting on this internal contradiction, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari remarked that Congress leaders are aware that Rahul Gandhi is engaging in opportunistic politics. The BJP believes that the support of senior Congress members for the government indicates that Rahul Gandhi is losing trust within his own party.