Congress leaders diverge from Rahul Gandhi on Iran war, LPG supply row

After Operation Sindoor and the ongoing Iran war, differences have surfaced within the Indian National Congress over the government’s handling of foreign policy and the LPG supply situation. Several senior leaders — including Kamal Nath, Anand Sharma, Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari — have publicly taken positions that differ from Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has repeatedly criticised the Narendra Modi government’s diplomatic stance on the US-Israel-Iran War, calling India’s foreign policy “compromised.” In contrast, Tharoor described the government’s approach as “responsible statecraft,” while Tewari said it was “likely doing the right thing.”

Anand Sharma and Kamal Nath have also backed the Centre. Sharma praised India’s handling of the West Asia crisis as “mature and skillful” and called for national unity, while Kamal Nath dismissed concerns over an LPG shortage, saying there was “no such shortage” and accusing some of creating panic.

The remarks have given the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ammunition to target the Congress. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia cited Kamal Nath’s statement to counter opposition claims on fuel shortages, while BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari criticised Rahul Gandhi over the internal rift.

This is not the first time such divisions have emerged. After Operation Sindoor — launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack — Tharoor and Tewari had backed the government’s action, diverging from Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the operation.

The current disagreement highlights a recurring split within the Congress between the party leadership and senior figures on key issues of foreign policy and national interest, particularly during major geopolitical crises.