CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unleashed a scathing attack on the Congress and its DMK-led alliance partners, branding their recent protests in support of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as blatant political hypocrisy and anti-national behavior.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad accused the opposition groups of organizing demonstrations in Chennai on March 1 and 2 to mourn Khamenei’s supposed death following US-Israel strikes on February 28. He described these events as a misguided political agenda that undermines India’s national interests.
Prasad highlighted the timing of the protests, which coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu. He condemned attempts by certain groups to march towards the US Consulate in Chennai, calling it a reckless move that risked public disorder and tarnished India’s global reputation.
‘Targeting foreign diplomatic missions through such protests is utterly inappropriate and damaging to our international image,’ Prasad asserted. He further criticized Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for questioning the Indian government’s stance on West Asian developments, labeling their remarks as politically motivated and divisive at a time when national unity is crucial.
The BJP spokesperson praised the government’s proactive diplomacy, noting PM Modi’s swift consultations with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan to ensure the safety of Indian citizens amid escalating tensions in the region. ‘While the government prioritizes citizen protection, the opposition sows seeds of discord,’ he added.
This episode underscores the deepening political rift in Tamil Nadu, where foreign policy issues are increasingly becoming battlegrounds for domestic rivalries. As India navigates complex geopolitical challenges, the BJP’s retort serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between domestic politics and international relations.