Lucknow’s historic Shia quarters witnessed a solemn tribute on Monday as UP Congress chief Ajay Rai arrived to mourn Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s towering spiritual and political figure. The event quickly evolved into a platform for critiquing the Union government’s conspicuous absence of grief.
During his meeting with prominent cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad, Rai expressed profound sympathy and praised Khamenei’s legacy. ‘He never bowed to pressure, holding steadfast to his ideals—a true symbol of bravery and commitment,’ Rai said, predicting Khamenei’s lasting imprint on international affairs.
Rai didn’t hold back on the BJP-led Centre, slamming its failure to issue formal condolences. ‘For a leader of Khamenei’s stature, this silence is nothing short of shameful,’ he declared. Citing India’s proud heritage of fostering worldwide harmony and mutual respect, he warned that such lapses erode national credibility.
Delving into history, Rai highlighted the deep-rooted India-Iran connections spanning trade, culture, and statecraft over millennia. He charged that recent policy shifts have frayed these links, urging a recalibration towards equilibrium and human-centric diplomacy to reclaim India’s global image.
The gathering drew emotional responses from locals, who recounted Khamenei’s role in promoting justice. As Congress pushes for renewed international engagement, Rai’s visit signals growing opposition demands for foreign policy introspection amid evolving geopolitics.