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With elections approaching in Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal, and major polls later in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, the Congress appears keen to consolidate the Muslim voter base
File photo of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (IMAGE: AFP FILE)
The war in the Middle East has triggered a fresh political battle back home in India, pitting the opposition against the government over the joint US-Israel airstrikes on Iran.
The Congress has issued a strong statement condemning the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and sharply criticised the government’s response to the crisis.
In its statement, the party said it “extends its deepest condolences to the Supreme Leader’s family, to the people of Iran, and to the Shia community across the world,” adding that it stands in solidarity with them during what it described as a moment of profound grief.
The Congress also accused the government of abandoning India’s Nehruvian foreign policy principles, calling the attack a violation of India’s long-standing non-aligned and peace-oriented stance.
Other opposition parties have echoed this condemnation, including the National Conference, Mehbooba Mufti, and the Samajwadi Party. Protests supporting Iran’s leadership have already been reported from parts of Kashmir.
Political Storm In India: Why?
Political analysts say the opposition’s strong response is also shaped by electoral considerations.
Iran has the world’s largest Shia population, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of its citizens. In India, Shias make up roughly 30 per cent of the Muslim population and are concentrated in key states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, and others.
With crucial elections approaching in Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal, and major polls later in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, the Congress appears keen to consolidate this voter base.
The issue also gives the party an opportunity to reiterate its criticism of Israel, following its earlier opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had previously drawn attention by carrying a pro-Gaza bag to Parliament.
Additionally, the Congress has sought to portray the government’s foreign policy as weak, accusing it of failing to stand up to former US President Donald Trump.
The party has linked the issue to ongoing US-India trade negotiations and questioned the timing of the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel, suggesting the conflict escalated soon after.
As the world watches the Middle East conflict with growing concern, India finds itself in the midst of a political confrontation ahead of upcoming state elections, with little indication of either conflict easing anytime soon.
March 02, 2026, 08:27 IST
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