Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Finance Minister of India, has strongly criticized former US President Barack Obama for his recent remarks about Indian Muslims during an interview. Sitharaman defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused opposition parties, including the Congress, of raising non-issues without proper data following electoral defeats.
During a press conference, Sitharaman emphasized that PM Modi’s government follows the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with All, Development for All) and does not discriminate against any community. She expressed her dismay at individuals joining the debate and highlighting issues that she considers to be non-issues.
Furthermore, Sitharaman highlighted that out of the 13 awards PM Modi has received as Prime Minister, six were given by countries where Muslims are in the majority. She urged critics to focus on legitimate concerns related to law and order that can be addressed at the state level, rather than engaging in baseless allegations without supporting data.
Taking aim at the opposition parties, Sitharaman suggested that their inability to counter the BJP and PM Modi electorally has prompted them to launch organized campaigns. She specifically mentioned the Congress party’s significant role in such campaigns during recent elections, despite their defeat in the Karnataka election.
Sitharaman also criticized Barack Obama for his comments during a CNN interview, where he expressed his intention to discuss Indian Muslims with PM Modi. The Finance Minister expressed her shock at a former US President speaking about Indian Muslims while PM Modi was campaigning in the United States. Sitharaman pointed out that during Obama’s presidency, six Muslim-majority countries were bombed with thousands of bombs, raising questions about the credibility of his allegations.
Sitharaman concluded by stating that such deliberate attempts to disrupt the atmosphere in India stem from a belief that the opposition cannot win against PM Modi’s developmental policies. She called for friendly relations with the US but expressed concerns about remarks on religious freedom in India.
Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, also a member of the BJP, criticized Obama’s comments and suggested that his state police should prioritize taking care of the many individuals in India with the surname “Hussain Obama,” highlighting the former US President’s Muslim lineage.
The remarks by Nirmala Sitharaman and Himanta Biswa Sarma have sparked a debate about the treatment of Muslims in India and the role of international figures in commenting on Indian affairs. The ongoing discourse showcases the political divide and differing perspectives on the issue within the country.
Sources By Agencies
