India-Pakistan ceasefire: Congress to take out rallies questioning Modi’s ‘silence’ on U.S. claims of mediation

The party distanced itself from the public comments of Shashi Tharoor, who had earlier said ceasefire was at the instance of Pakistan

Accusing the BJP of “politicising” Operation Sindoor, the Congress on Wednesday (May 14, 2025) announced that it would take out nationwide Jai Hind rallies across the country to question the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” on U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the “halting” of the military operation.

Also read: India-Pakistan ceasefire updates on May 14, 2025

“Operation Sindoor doesn’t belong to one party, it belongs to the nation,” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, addressing a press conference jointly with Pawan Khera, said after a meeting of the available members of the Congress Working Committee (CWC).

The CWC adopted a resolution that said Mr. Trump’s claim of brokering had internationalised the Kashmir issue and represented a “dangerous and unprecedented hyphenation of India with Pakistan”.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge did not preside over the proceedings as he had a doctor’s appointment.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi chaired the meeting and was attended by senior leaders, including general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Mr. Ramesh, Randeep Surjewala, Shashi Tharoor, Sachin Pilot among others.

Referring to contradictory reports over the ceasefire, a leader quoted Mr. Gandhi as saying, “questions must be asked as to who asked the Americans to intervene”.

The Opposition leader lauded the armed forces for doing a “phenomenal job within a limited mandate” and argued that “if the forces didn’t want to disclose certain tactical details, it must be respected”.

The Congress resolution questioned the government over the sudden announcement of ceasefire and halting of military operations and targeted it for not fixing accountability for the Pahalgam terror attack.

‘Unanswered questions’

“National security cannot be managed through public relations exercises on television; it demands professional rigour, vigilance, and institutional accountability. Equally surprising was the abrupt end to India’s retaliatory action against Pakistan, which has left behind a trail of unanswered questions. The sudden halt, without clarity or communication, has led to speculation and concern across the country,” the resolution read.

Mr. Gandhi is expected to hold a press conference on Friday (May 16, 2025) to further question the Modi government on the issue of ceasefire announcement.

The party distanced itself from the public comments of Mr. Tharoor, who had earlier said ceasefire was at the instance of Pakistan. This was at odds with the Congress’ official position of asking the government to come clean on President Trump’s claims of brokering a ceasefire with “trade threats and pressure on India”.

“When Mr. Tharoor speaks, it does not reflect the views of the party,” Mr. Ramesh said in response to a question on ceasefire.

In the closed-door meeting, without naming Mr. Tharoor, several leaders, including Mr. Ramesh, Mr. Surjewala, Jitendra Singh raised the issue of statements and comments made by party leaders that are at odds with the party position. “In the CWC, he [Mr. Tharoor] agreed with most of the points expressed and mentioned about raising them when the Foreign Secretary briefs the parliamentary panel on External Affairs,” a senior leader said.

The resolution also strongly condemned “the appalling statements of a senior BJP Minister towards a senior woman Army officer”.

“Such behaviour is not only disgraceful but undermines the dignity of our armed forces and the principles of gender respect within the military. The CWC demands his immediate resignation and calls upon the government to initiate strict action under applicable laws,” it said.

Published - May 14, 2025 03:23 pm IST