New Delhi [India], June 14 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Saturday accused Congress of spreading 'half-truths' about India's abstaining from voting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) over the ceasefire in Gaza.

Pradeep Bhandari advised Congress to read India's official explanation of vote at the UN before unleashing what he called a 'theatrical outrage.'

'Yet again, Congress spreads half-truths! Congress, before unleashing theatrical outrage, should take a moment to read India's official Explanation of Vote at the UN on June 12,' Bhandari wrote on X.

Laying down India's official explanation condemning the loss of civilian lives in the Israel-Gaza conflict, Bhandari said abstention is not a deviation but a continuation of past votes.

'India unequivocally condemned the loss of civilian lives and the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. India called for the protection of civilians, humanitarian access, and the release of remaining hostages. India reaffirmed support for a negotiated Two-State Solution--with Palestine and Israel coexisting peacefully within secure, recognised borders. India has consistently provided humanitarian assistance to Gaza, both bilaterally and via the UN. Our abstention is not a deviation, but a continuation of past votes (A/RES/77/247 & A/RES/79/232), based on our unwavering belief in dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable path forward.' Bhandari said.

Bhandari further labelled the Congress as a 'fake news factory.'

'Congress & its intellectually dishonest Ecosystem has become nothing but a fake news factory!' he said.

Bhandari's stern response came after Congress leader Pawan Khera termed India's response as an act of 'shameful betrayal' of the country's 'anti-colonial legacy'.

In a detailed post on X, Khera highlighted India's history of standing with Palestine and the Palestine Liberation Organisation. Khera stated that India became the first non arab nation to recognise Palestine in 1974 and invited PLO leader Yasser Arafat to attend the 7th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit held in New Delhi in 1983.

On Friday, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a permanent resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

A total of 149 countries voted in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza in the UNGA; meanwhile, 19 countries abstained and 12 nations voted against the resolution. (ANI)