Iran War To Op Sindoor: Congress Leaders Who Didn't Toe Party Line, Backed Centre's Stance

Last Updated:April 04, 2026, 12:11 IST

Rahul Gandhi described India’s foreign policy under PM Modi as “compromised”. In contrast, Shashi Tharoor called it “responsible statecraft”.

The Iran war and concerns over LPG supply have exposed cracks within the Congress party. Several senior leaders, including Kamal Nath, Anand Sharma, Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari, have taken positions that differ from Rahul Gandhi on the PM Narendra Modi government’s handling of the West Asia conflict and the fuel situation in India.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has repeatedly criticised the government’s diplomatic approach to the US-Israel-Iran war. However, several leaders within his own party have expressed support for the government’s actions.

Rahul Gandhi described India’s foreign policy under PM Modi as “compromised". In contrast, Shashi Tharoor called it “responsible statecraft".

Rahul Gandhi also urged the government to condemn the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Days after Khamenei’s death, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the condolence book at the Iranian embassy in New Delhi, marking the country’s first official response.

Manish Tewari said in a television interview that the government was “likely doing the right thing" in handling the West Asia situation.

Senior leaders back government

Anand Sharma praised the government’s diplomatic approach, calling it “mature and skillful". In a series of posts, he stressed the need for national unity and said India’s response should be guided by consensus.

Kamal Nath also broke from the party’s line on the LPG issue. While the Congress has been attacking the government over a reported shortage, he said there was no such crisis and that an impression of shortage was being created.

BJP hits back at Congress

The BJP used these statements to target the Congress. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said Kamal Nath’s remarks showed there was no shortage of petrol, diesel or gas. He accused the Congress of spreading fear for political reasons.

Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also criticised Rahul Gandhi, calling him an opportunist.

Change in pattern since Operation Sindoor

Such differences are not new. A similar situation emerged after Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir.

At that time, Shashi Tharoor supported the government’s actions, even as Rahul Gandhi criticised its “political will". Manish Tewari also praised the operation and the role of the armed forces.

The government later formed an all-party delegation of 59 MPs to present India’s position abroad. The Congress objected to the inclusion of Tharoor and Tewari, saying its leadership had not been consulted. Tharoor was also chosen to lead one of the delegations visiting the US and Latin America.

During the parliamentary debate on Operation Sindoor, both Tharoor and Tewari were not given an opportunity to speak.

Fresh divisions over Iran War

The ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict has again highlighted divisions within the party. Anand Sharma has supported the government’s approach, while Kamal Nath has dismissed claims of an LPG shortage, even as the Congress continues to raise the issue.

Anand Sharma said India’s handling of the crisis had avoided “potential minefields" and stressed the need for continued national dialogue. He also pointed to India’s historical ties with Persia and the challenges posed by the energy crisis.

Kamal Nath, on the other hand, accused some groups of creating panic over cooking gas for political gain and said there was no shortage in Madhya Pradesh.

These developments underline a widening gap between the Congress leadership and some of its senior leaders. The differences have come on key issues involving foreign policy and domestic fuel supply, with several leaders taking positions that do not align with Rahul Gandhi’s stand.

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