By The Sampadak Express
The Congress party has sharply criticized the Modi government following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, alleging a loss of “moral authority” on the part of the Indian leadership.
At a press briefing held at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot accused the Modi government of missing a “golden opportunity” to hold Pakistan accountable for state-sponsored terrorism.“
Citizens believed our armed forces were in a position to deliver a strong response. Instead, the sudden announcement of a ceasefire has demoralized the nation. This government has lost the moral courage to lead,” Gehlot stated.
He also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national address on Monday night, calling it “disappointing” for not addressing President Trump’s claims of U.S. mediation. “What pressure is the government under? Why is the Prime Minister silent on Trump’s statement, which has effectively internationalized the issue?” Gehlot asked.
The Congress has demanded a Special Session of Parliament and an all-party meeting chaired by the Prime Minister to discuss the developments following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Mixed Reactions Within Congress
However, not all voices within the Congress are in alignment. Party MP Manish Tewari acknowledged the historical role of third-party mediation between India and Pakistan. “From 1990 onwards, third-party involvement has been a consistent element—be it called mediation, back-channelling, or brokering,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding that President Trump was simply “stating facts.”
Despite this, the Congress’s official stance remains firm. Party communications head Jairam Ramesh questioned the government’s silence, especially that of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Highlighting Jaishankar’s extensive interaction with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ramesh commented on X, “The Minister’s silence on Rubio’s statements regarding U.S. mediation and a ‘neutral site’ for talks is deafening.”
Call for Inquiry into Pahalgam Attack
Ramesh also urged the Modi government to establish a high-level inquiry into the Pahalgam attack, drawing parallels with the post-Kargil Review Committee set up in 1999. “Three days after the Kargil War, the Vajpayee government launched a formal review. Will the Modi government do the same, beyond the ongoing NIA probe?” he asked.
As the political debate intensifies, the government has yet to formally respond to the U.S. President’s comments or the Congress party’s demands for clarity and accountability.
