As a multi-party parliamentary delegation embarks on a visit to Japan and other Southeast Asian nations, a political storm is brewing back home between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress. The delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, aims to present India's perspective on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the wake of Operation Sindoor. However, the initiative has triggered a fresh round of political sparring between the two major parties.
The delegation, comprising members from across the political spectrum, including BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brijlal, Pradhan Barua, and Hemang Joshi; Congress leader and former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid; TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee; and CPI(M)'s John Brittas, will also visit South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. This diplomatic outreach is intended to reinforce India's stance against cross-border terrorism and highlight Pakistan's alleged role in supporting such activities.
The BJP has framed the delegation's visit as a crucial step in exposing Pakistan's "true face" to the international community. BJP leaders have asserted that Pakistan's state policy is centered on terrorism and that the delegation's mission is to reveal this reality to the world. They emphasize the need for a united global front against terrorism and seek to garner support for India's concerns.
Conversely, the Congress has accused the BJP of exploiting the situation for political gains. Some Congress leaders have questioned the timing of the delegation's visit, suggesting it is a move to divert attention from domestic issues and capitalize on the recent tensions with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. They argue that while they support the fight against terrorism, the BJP is attempting to take sole credit for the efforts and politicize national security matters.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Congress has also raised concerns about the announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan by a third party, questioning whether there has been any deviation from established agreements like the Shimla Agreement. This has led to accusations that the government is compromising on national interests and allowing external interference in bilateral matters.
The political clash extends beyond the delegation's visit, encompassing broader issues of national security and diplomatic strategy. The BJP has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his firm stance against terrorism and his leadership in Operation Sindoor, while the Congress has accused the government of taking credit for the sacrifices made by the armed forces. This blame game reflects the deep-seated political polarization in the country, with each party seeking to gain an advantage in the narrative surrounding national security.
Despite the political bickering, the delegation's visit to Japan and other Southeast Asian countries remains a significant diplomatic endeavor. It underscores India's commitment to combating terrorism and fostering international cooperation on this critical issue. However, the accompanying political storm highlights the challenges of maintaining a united front on national security matters in a politically charged environment. As the delegation engages with foreign governments and organizations, the domestic political debate is likely to continue, shaping public perception of India's approach to terrorism and its relations with neighboring countries.
