“Is Trump Destroying PM Modi?”, critically examines Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s actions and policies, particularly in the wake of “Operation Sindoor” and the “Pahalgam Tragedy.” It questions the Modi government’s handling of security, its claims regarding the operation’s success, and the subsequent ceasefire, highlighting discrepancies between the Indian government’s narrative and statements made by the US President Donald Trump.
The article also discusses Trump’s evident involvement in de-escalating the conflict and his public remarks that seemingly undermine Modi’s stance. Furthermore, it touches upon Modi’s foreign policy approach, his perceived misjudgment of Trump, and the potential political ramifications for the BJP in future elections.
Operation Sindoor: Controversy, Criticism, and Ceasefire
Operation Sindoor was launched by the Modi government following the “Pahalgam” incident.
Context and Launch:
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the “Pahalgam” tragedy.
It criticizes the “blunt” manner in which Modi launched Operation Sindoor, stating that it could have caused “destruction” in the region.
It is agreed that despite often praising Prime Minister Modi’s efforts for India’s development and prosperity. There is no doubt in believing that Modi’s actions regarding Operation Sindoor cannot be justified.
Contradictory Statements: Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Amarinder Singh, raised questions about Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha.
They questioned how cricket teams could be formed if Operation Sindoor was still ongoing, especially after a “storm” was created post-Pahalgam, which involved a strict curfew that neglected even the sick and disabled. This was highlighted as a “contradiction”.
Lack of Justification from Government: Prime Minister Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath, and Interior Minister Amit Shah reportedly had no strong arguments or concrete answers to the opposition’s objections.
Questionable Evidence: The government claimed that three terrorists involved in Pahalgam were killed under “Operation Mahadev” and that Pakistani chocolates were found in their pockets as “proof”. This was seen as a “fabricated story” and accused of being a “fake police encounter” to mislead the public.
Timing of Announcements: There was a question about why these actions (Operation Mahadev) were linked to the Lok Sabha session and revealed the next day, implying it was an attempt to cover up a mistake.
Government Responsibility and Security Lapses: Priyanka Gandhi demanded answers from the government regarding their responsibility, particularly concerning the deaths of 26 innocent people (25 Indian citizens) on April 22 in front of their families. She emphasized that they were “Indian” citizens, regardless of their religion.
She questioned what arrangements were made for the protection of citizens in Pahalgam given their large numbers and how terrorists from Pakistan managed to travel such a long distance to Pahalgam.
Lack of Pakistani Involvement Proof: Former Interior Minister Chidambaram stated that the government had not yet presented any evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam tragedy, suggesting that the perpetrators might have been Indian citizens. The BJP responded by saying this would be a “clean chit” for Pakistan.
Cessation of Operation Sindoor:
Rahul Gandhi questioned why Operation Sindoor was suddenly stopped on May 10, especially when the entire nation, including the opposition, stood with the Prime Minister. This was described as a “genuine” and “absurd” question. The news of the ceasefire came from Washington instead of Delhi. Prime Minister Modi stated that the ceasefire was initiated at Pakistan’s request, not due to external pressure. However, question is raised why it was done so quickly if India was “successful”.
US President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed, 29 times, that he brokered the ceasefire. He stated at a dinner with Republican lawmakers on July 18 that he intervened because five fighters were killed in Pak-Hind clashes, and there were fears of beginning a nuclear war between the two atomic nations. Trump also reiterated this claim during his visit to Saudi Arabia and to other foreign leaders visiting the White House.
This is challenged PM Modi to publicly state in the Lok Sabha that Trump was lying and had no role in the ceasefire. It is contrasted with Indira Gandhi’s resilience against US pressure in 1971.
In summary, Operation Sindoor was a controversial military action initiated by the Modi government, facing significant criticism from opposition leaders and regarding its execution, the government’s justification, the evidence presented, and the sudden cessation under disputed circumstances, with US President Trump claiming credit for brokering the ceasefire. Operation Sindoor was a significant event discussed in the article, launched by the Modi government following the “Pahalgam” incident.
Launch and Initial Response:
Operation Sindoor was initiated by the Modi government as a response to the “Pahalgam” tragedy.
It is expressed as criticism regarding the “blunt manner” in which Prime Minister Modi launched the operation, suggesting it could have led to “destruction” in the region. While generally acknowledging Modi’s contributions to India’s development, the author stated that Modi’s actions in this instance should not be justified.
Cessation of Operation Sindoor:
Rahul Gandhi questioned why Operation Sindoor was abruptly halted on May 10, especially when the entire nation, including the opposition, was supporting the Prime Minister. This was deemed a “genuine” and “absurd” question. Significantly, the news of the ceasefire emerged from Washington rather than Delhi.
Trump’s India Diplomacy: Mediation, Perceived Humiliation, and Sikh Issues
US-India relations, particularly during Donald Trump’s presidency, appear to be characterized by complex dynamics, including US claims of mediation in regional conflicts, perceived challenges to Prime Minister Modi’s image, and US engagement with certain Sikh diaspora issues.
US Claims of Ceasefire Mediation between India and Pakistan:
US President Donald Trump repeatedly (29 times) claimed that he was responsible for brokering the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Trump stated at a dinner with Republican lawmakers on July 18 that he intervened because five fighters were killed in Pak-Hind clashes, and there were fears of a nuclear war between the two atomic nations.
Perceived “Humiliation” of PM Modi by Trump:
“Is Trump Destroying PM Modi?”, suggesting a challenging dynamic. The author notes that Trump has been “humiliating” PM Modi for the past six months.
PM Modi is described as having made an “assessment error” regarding Trump, even going so far as to campaign for him and cheer him on. The author implies that PM Modi might privately wish that Kamala Harris or Joe Biden had won the election instead of Trump, given the ongoing perceived “humiliation”.
US Engagement with Sikh and Khalistani Movement Issues:
President Trump wrote a letter to Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a leader of the Khalistani movement who holds US citizenship. Pannun subsequently shared this letter on social media.
In the letter, Trump reportedly stated that he prioritizes American citizens, the nation, and American democratic values, asserting that a safe America contributes to a safe world. A referendum related to the Khalistani movement is scheduled to take place in Washington on August 17.
The article also mentions that Canadian Sikhs have lodged several complaints against the Modi government regarding attacks on their people, and these concerns have been voiced in the Canadian Parliament. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly conveyed these complaints to Trump indirectly.
Perspective on Modi’s Foreign Policy Approach:
While acknowledging PM Modi’s significant contributions to India’s development and economy, the article criticizes his approach to both internal and external policies. The article suggests that Modi’s frequent display of “intensity” in his policies, often aimed at pleasing his “extremist factions” under his Hindutva ideology, leads him to lose the required political foresight and balance in his domestic and foreign affairs.
Certain actions, like “forced hugs”, are described as not being fitting for an Indian Prime Minister, especially when attempting to project an image of a “global leader”. This could indirectly influence how international leaders, including those in the US, perceive him.
Modi’s Leadership: Achievements, Criticisms, and Foreign Policy Quandaries
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, as discussed in the article, presents a complex picture, marked by both acknowledged achievements and significant criticisms, particularly concerning his foreign policy, decision-making, and public image.
Approach to Domestic and Foreign Policy:
Modi is described as displaying “intensity” in his internal and external policies. This intensity is often seen as an attempt to “please his extremist factions” aligned with his Hindutva ideology.
However, this intense approach is criticized for causing him to “lose the required political foresight and balance” in both domestic and foreign affairs.
Modi’s leadership is challenged for its lack of public defiance against Trump’s repeated claims (29 times) that he brokered the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The article explicitly asks if Modi has the “courage” to state in the Lok Sabha that Trump is lying and had no role in the ceasefire, drawing a contrast with Indira Gandhi’s resilience against American pressure in 1971.
Modi’s statement that the ceasefire was initiated at Pakistan’s request, not due to external pressure, is highlighted. However, the article questions why, if this was the case, the news of the ceasefire came from Washington instead of Delhi.
Calls for introspection or Change:
The article suggests that given the perceived “humiliation” by Trump, Modi might secretly wish that Kamala Harris or Joe Biden had won the US election.
A significant question is raised about whether Modi should “voluntarily step aside” for another BJP leader, such as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, to prevent the BJP from potentially losing the next election.
Modi’s Succession and the BJP’s Future
The discussion regarding the future of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is primarily presented as a speculative concern by the article, in the context of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and perceived challenges to his image.
The key point regarding the BJP’s future is:
The article raises the “important question” of whether Prime Minister Modi should “voluntarily step aside” for another BJP leader. An example of such a leader provided is Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The article suggests that this move might be necessary to prevent the “possibility that the BJP might lose the next election”. This suggestion is made after a critique of Modi’s foreign policy approach and the perceived “humiliation” by former US President Donald Trump.
By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog
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