The Indian political landscape witnessed fresh turbulence as the Congress party launched a sharp critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeting what they termed as his unusual silence following former US President Donald Trump's repeated claims about the Pulwama incident.
The Provoking Statement
During a recent public appearance, Donald Trump once again asserted that he had prevented India from launching a major military operation in response to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. "I stopped a huge battle between Pakistan and India," Trump claimed, echoing similar statements he made during his presidency about the tense period following the deadly attack that killed 40 Indian security personnel.
Congress's Cutting Response
The principal opposition party didn't miss the opportunity to target PM Modi. Congress leaders questioned why the Prime Minister, often portrayed as having a "56-inch chest" for his strongman image, remained quiet about Trump's assertions. "The 56-inch chest has fallen silent," Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate stated, adding that the nation deserved answers about what actually transpired during those critical days.
Historical Context of the Controversy
The reference to "56-inch chest" dates back to 2014 when PM Modi, during his election campaign, had claimed that it takes a "56-inch chest" to convert Uttar Pradesh into Uttam Pradesh. This phrase has since become a recurring element in political discourse, often used by both supporters and critics to either praise or mock the Prime Minister's leadership style.
Government's Previous Stance
The Indian government has consistently denied Trump's claims in the past. Following Trump's initial statements during his presidency, Indian officials had clarified that the country retains full authority to make independent decisions regarding national security matters. However, the repetition of these claims by the former US President has reignited the political debate.
Political Implications
This development comes at a crucial time when political parties are preparing for upcoming elections. The Congress party appears determined to use this controversy to question the government's narrative about India's response to cross-border terrorism and the effectiveness of its foreign policy.
As the war of words intensifies, all eyes remain on whether the Prime Minister or his government will break their silence and address Trump's latest comments directly.
