Rahul Gandhi Condemns PM Modi's Covid-19 Analogy in Parliamentary Address
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, taking issue with the PM's comparison of the current fuel crisis situation to the Covid-19 pandemic during his parliamentary address on Monday. Gandhi asserted that Modi has "forgotten what had happened then, how many people had died and what kind of tragedies had unfolded," emphasizing the gravity of the pandemic's impact on India.
PM Modi's Call for Unity Amid Global Tensions
In his speech, PM Modi highlighted the challenging global conditions arising from the West Asia conflict, warning that these difficulties may persist for an extended period. He urged the nation to remain prepared and united, drawing parallels to the collective resilience demonstrated during the Covid crisis. "This war has created difficult global conditions that may persist for a long time. Hence, we must remain prepared and united. We faced similar challenges during the Covid crisis with unity. Now again, we must prepare in the same way," Modi stated, calling for patience and vigilance against misinformation.
Allegations of Compromised Foreign Policy and Strategic Autonomy
Rahul Gandhi further criticized the Prime Minister's handling of the West Asia conflict, alleging that India has been marginalized in international negotiations. He labeled Modi as "compromised" and questioned the autonomy of India's foreign policy under his leadership. "Our foreign policy is Prime Minister Modi's personal foreign policy. It's a universal joke. Donald Trump knows exactly what Mr Modi can do and what Mr Modi cannot do. So if the Prime Minister is compromised, our foreign policy is compromised," Gandhi remarked, referencing perceived inconsistencies in diplomatic postures.
Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Echoes Concerns Over Pandemic Reference
Echoing these sentiments, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha also condemned the Covid-19 reference, stating that the "nation cannot forget the tragic suffering during the pandemic." He pointed out that over 40 lakh lives were lost and countless citizens struggled for basic necessities like oxygen, urging the government to provide clear answers instead of what he termed "an exercise in obfuscation."
Questions on Energy Diversification and Stranded Ships
The opposition raised pressing questions regarding the government's claims of diversifying energy imports from 27 to 41 countries. They demanded transparency on which countries are currently supplying LNG, LPG, and crude oil to India, and in what quantities, questioning why citizens still face shortages and price hikes if diversification has been achieved. Additionally, they highlighted the plight of nearly 37–40 Indian-flagged ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, carrying around 1,100 sailors and cargo valued at approximately Rs 10,000 crore, despite high-level diplomatic efforts with Iran.
Call for Accountability and Strategic Clarity
In a post on X, the Rajya Sabha opposition leader sought clear answers on three fundamental issues: the apparent shift in India's strategic autonomy following Modi's visit to Israel, the failure to secure safe passage for Indian ships while other nations like China and Russia are granted transit, and the discrepancies in energy import claims. He criticized the government for not taking Parliament and the nation into confidence about these critical matters, underscoring the need for accountability in navigating the ongoing crisis.
