New Delhi — The political temperature soared on Monday as Congress leaders Pawan Khera and Jairam Ramesh launched a sharp rebuttal to BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya’s accusations, reigniting debate over India’s foreign policy in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
Malviya, in a social media post, lambasted the Congress for being “disconnected from public sentiment”, particularly regarding calls for a boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of which had extended diplomatic support to Pakistan amid recent tensions.
“The country is enraged… but the Congress party can’t even align with the broader sentiment. No wonder it remains so disconnected from the public,” Malviya wrote on X, urging political isolation of the Congress.
Congress Hits Back
Pawan Khera responded sharply, challenging the BJP-led government to clarify its own diplomatic and trade stance with Turkey. He pointedly asked whether the Modi government had cut ties or shut down embassies.
“Since this question is being raised by a BJP office bearer, PMO and S. Jaishankar must clarify if ties with Turkey have been severed. Such decisions rest with the government, not the Opposition,” Khera posted on X.
Jairam Ramesh took the matter a step further, drawing parallels with India’s relations with China, a more sensitive geopolitical front.
“Why has the Modi government pursued normalization with China despite ongoing encroachments?” he questioned, referring to the controversial June 19, 2020 statement where Prime Minister Modi was accused of giving China a clean chit during the Galwan Valley standoff.
Congress Demands Special Parliament Session
Adding to the pressure, Congress has demanded a special session of Parliament to debate the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor, and the subsequent ceasefire agreement.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi wrote separate letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reiterating the Opposition’s unanimous demand for a serious national-level discourse.
“The people and their representatives deserve clarity and an open discussion on the current security and diplomatic situation,” Gandhi wrote. “This will also be an opportunity to demonstrate our collective resolve.”
Pawan Khera, in a statement to media, also praised the professionalism of the Indian Armed Forces, while maintaining that accountability and transparency from the government are essential.
Background: Operation Sindoor and Diplomatic Crossfire
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, was India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, targeting multiple terror hubs in Pakistan and PoK. The operation marked a new phase in India’s counter-terror strategy, prompting reactions from global players.
Countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan were seen extending diplomatic sympathy towards Pakistan, sparking calls for boycotts from Indian citizens and traders, particularly of Turkish goods and tourism.
Meanwhile, the ceasefire agreement, brokered with indirect support from global actors including U.S. President Donald Trump, has halted further escalation for now, but tensions remain.
As the country grapples with its security priorities and foreign relations, the political debate over national interest, diplomacy, and internal cohesion is clearly far from over. Whether the government will accept the call for a special session remains to be seen, but public and political pressure is mounting.