Manoj Kumar criticized the government’s silence during India’s abstention and praised Priyanka Gandhi’s key intervention on Palestine
New Delhi
Congress leaders rallied behind Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi on Monday after she criticised India’s foreign policy on Palestine, calling it “shameful” and lacking moral courage. Priyanka Gandhi, in a post on X on Sunday, accused the NDA government of abandoning India’s historic support for Palestine over the past 20 months. She noted that India was among the first countries to recognise Palestine in November 1988 and highlighted the nation’s past stand for justice and humanity.
“Policy towards Palestine in the last 20 months has been nothing less than shameful and devoid of moral rectitude,” she wrote.
Congress MPs supported her remarks, calling for accountability. Imran Masood said India’s foreign policy has been eroded, pointing out that the country failed to back Palestine while Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reached agreements. He added that domestic support for Israel did not help India’s position internationally.
Manoj Kumar questioned the government’s silence during the 20-month period when India abstained despite widespread public backing for Palestine. He called Priyanka Gandhi’s statement a significant intervention on an important issue.
Senior Congress leader Udit Raj argued that India’s credibility on the global stage has declined. He claimed the country’s foreign policy is “almost over” and blamed the NDA government for weakening India’s international standing. Raj said Priyanka Gandhi’s statement reflected India’s original support for Palestine and stressed that her criticism was justified, warning that India cannot be an effective global player while failing to uphold its moral and diplomatic responsibilities.
The debate has intensified scrutiny on the Centre’s handling of foreign policy, particularly regarding longstanding positions on Palestine, with the opposition demanding clearer articulation and decisive action.