New Delhi: Several Opposition parties on Sunday condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes, with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra saying that the assassination by the “so called leaders of the democratic world” is “despicable”.
Leaders of the Congress and other parties also criticised the Centre’s foreign policy, saying the government’s response to the war unleashed on Iran, which has been a long-time “friend”, has been a “betrayal” of India’s values, principles and interests.
AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi termed the killing as an “immoral and unlawful act” and expressed hope that the Central government would play a role in halting the war.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also condemned the killing and said the “war that America has carried out on Iran is unnecessary”.
CPI leader D Raja said that the US-Israel “nexus represents evil in its most naked form”.
Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the developments in Iran and appealed for calm amid widespread protests.
Expressing “profound anguish” over the assassination of Khamenei, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah urged the administration to handle the situation with sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that those who wish to mourn are able to do so respectfully.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the killing of Khamenei marks a “deeply tragic and shameful” point in history.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi also took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying she hopes that having “genuflected” before Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, the PM makes every effort to bring all Indian citizens in the affected countries back home to safety.