Trump’s announcement of ceasefire ‘disrespectful,’ and focus shifted from terrorism to Kashmir, asserts Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel
NEW DELHI — The Congress party has maintained that the Indo-Pak ceasefire announcement by US President Donald Trump was ‘disrespectful’ to the parties involved. It should have come from the involved governments, rather than a third party, senior party leader and former chief minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel, has said.
Strongly criticising the Centre, he said the Narendra Modi government should come clean on the nuances of the ceasefire and must clarify whether it has abandoned its historical stance against third-party mediation in Kashmir and if it has forsaken the 1972 Simla Agreement. Baghel questioned: “Has Indian diplomacy failed? Under what circumstances did President Trump make this announcement?” he asked, emphasising the need for transparency and accountability.
Speaking at a press conference in Raipur late on Sunday, Baghel urged the government to clarify what commitments have been made to Pakistan before agreeing to the ceasefire.
He reiterated the party’s demand for an all-party meeting, attended by the prime minister, as well as a special session of Parliament to discuss these critical issues. He also made it clear that the Congress will not participate in the meeting if the prime minister chooses to skip the all-party meeting, as he has done earlier.
Reiterating his concerns, Baghel noted that the focus of discourse appears to be shifting from terrorism to Kashmir itself, pointing out that this shift aligns with Trump’s statements. “The core issue is terrorism, not Kashmir,” he stressed.
Additionally, Baghel expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of security issues, particularly questioning the status of those responsible for a recent attack on tourists in Pahalgam. “What has happened to those terrorists? Are they apprehended or neutralised?” he asked, insisting that the government must take responsibility for security lapses.
Replying to a question about the 1994 unanimous parliamentary resolution to get back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, he said that the mood in the country was in favour of action. However, he expressed shock over Trump’s sudden announcement of the ceasefire, labelling it a significant diplomatic setback for India.
“This is a grave diplomatic failure that leaves India isolated,” Baghel claimed, noting that even traditional allies like Russia have remained silent during this crisis. He drew historical parallels, recalling how numerous nations supported India during the Non-Aligned Movement under leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi.
Further, Baghel condemned some BJP leaders for their “partisan politics” during this sensitive time, accusing them of appropriating the achievements of the Indian armed forces. He reaffirmed the Congress party’s pride in the military efforts that have retaliated against terrorist camps in Pakistan.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Congress party has called for clarity and accountability from the government regarding its foreign policy and diplomatic strategy concerning Pakistan.
