A political storm has erupted after the Congress party raised questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel, linking it to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Congress leader Rashid Alvi accused the Modi government of undermining India’s foreign policy and demanded that the prime minister disclose the details of his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"The current government has destroyed India’s foreign policy. The prime minister is engaging with UAE rulers and others, but not with Iran. PM Modi should tell the people what he discussed with Netanyahu regarding this conflict,” Alvi told ANI news agency.
Alvi further questioned Modi's silence over Khamenei’s killing, stating: "He has said that Israel is his 'fatherland,' so how can he speak against his fatherland?"
The Congress leader’s remarks were met with strong reactions from the BJP, with the party’s IT Department head, Amit Malviya, calling them “naked partisan” viewpoints.
Malviya referenced an article from Axios, which claimed that the US and Israel had planned the strike on Iran on February 23—two days before Modi’s visit to Israel.
"I almost pity India's Opposition and the Left ecosystem, including a section of the media, for how nakedly partisan they have become," Malviya wrote on X. "Till yesterday, they were loudly alleging that the so-called Israel-US axis launched its attack on Iran with Prime Minister Modi's endorsement, conveniently linking it to his visit. The insinuation was deliberate and malicious."
Malviya further criticised the Opposition, stating that their approach is driven by reflex rather than reason. "With this level of strategic depth and intellectual honesty, they should be prepared for a long haul in Opposition," he added.
The joint forces of Israel and Iran launched airstrikes in Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28, a day after Modi concluded his two-day visit to Israel, which focused on strengthening India-Israel strategic and defense ties.
India has refrained from condemning Khamenei’s assassination, instead urging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid escalation, while emphasising the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
On Tuesday, Congress Parliamentary Party leader Sonia Gandhi strongly criticised the Modi government for its "disturbing silence" over Khamenei’s killing and called for a parliamentary discussion on the issue when the Budget session resumes. She also stressed the urgent need for India to reclaim its moral authority and communicate it clearly and resolutely.