Siddaramaiah tweet: Politicians in India, including some leaders of the Congress party, have been criticised for using divisive rhetoric to win elections without considering the potential negative impact on society. Recently, there have been concerns about some politicians using sensitive issues to score political points, even if it means disregarding the well-being of the people at large. On similar lines, Siddaramaiah, the deputy CM of Karnataka, tried to politicise the situation of Indians stranded in Sudan, especially given his reportedly deteriorating position in the upcoming elections.
Tweet: Siddaramaiah seeks political gains from the Sudan crisis
On April 15, clashes between the Sudanese military and paramilitary erupted in Khartoum, leading to the deaths of hundreds, including an Indian citizen. While MEA has set up a dedicated control room, contacts with citizens are kept intact. Moreover, the government is frequently updating the advisories as per the situation in Sudan. Past experience shows that Indian embassies and MEA have the expertise to deal with such types of uncertainties.
Evidently, the government is capable, and any possibility of evacuation would be preferentially considered. It can do what it takes in the best possible manner, but what to do with the politicians who have no moral ground left? As per reports, Siddaramaiah appealed to the centre, seeking the safe return of 31 tribals from Sudan that belong to Karnataka. Furthermore, he blamed the government of India for not rescuing them.
From his official Twitter handle, Siddaramaiah said, “Hakki Pikkis in Sudan have been left stranded without food for the last few days, and the government is yet to initiate action to bring them back. @BJP4India government should immediately open diplomatic discussions and reach out to international agencies to ensure the well-being of Hakki Pikkis.”
It is reported that 31 people from Karnataka belonging to Hakki Pikki tribe, are stranded in Sudan which is troubled by civil war.
I urge @PMOIndia @narendramodi, @HMOIndia, @MEAIndia and @BSBommai to immediately intervene & ensure their safe return.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 18, 2023
It is worth noting that there are almost 4000 Indians stranded in Sudan, of whom 31 are tribals from Karnataka, who are equally important as the rest. The Indian Embassy is in contact with each citizen and trying its best to ensure their safety.
Also read: Straight Talk: Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s Message to Those Working Against India
Jaishankar thrashes Siddaramaiah
This divisive rhetoric was disappointing, and thus the Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, rebuked Siddaramaiah by quoting his tweet. He tweeted, “Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don’t do politics. Since the fighting started on April 14th, the Embassy of India in Khartoum has been continuously in touch with most Indian nationals and PIOs in Sudan.”
He strictly quashed the political rhetoric of Siddaramaiah and advised him not to indulge in politics on sensitive matters when the lives of people are at risk. In a series of threads, Jaishankar gave details of steps that have been and are being taken regarding the matter.
Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don’t do politics.
Since the fighting started on April 14th, the Embassy of India in Khartoum has been continuously in touch with most Indian Nationals and PIOs in Sudan. https://t.co/MawnIwStQp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2023
Siddaramaiah and Jairam Ramesh statements
On being dealt with firm criticism, Siddaramiah again tweeted: “Since you are the External Affairs Minister, I have appealed to you for help. If you are busy getting appalled, please point us to the person who can help us bring our people back.” Siddaramaiah mentioned his appeal, which is good, but he intentionally ignored his other subsequent tweets, where he slammed the government by specifically addressing the food concerns of the Hakki and Pikki tribes and not all Indians.
Since you are the External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar I have appealed you for help.
If you are busy getting appalled please point us to the person who can help us bring our people back. https://t.co/B21Lndvxit
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 18, 2023
Now Congress leaders like Jairam Ramesh have come to the rescue of Siddaramaiah and tried to counter Dr. S. Jaishankar. Jairam Ramesh castigated Jaishankar, saying that Siddaramaiah’s appeal was just and that Jaishankar’s response was most appalling.
Also read: Kannada pride to neutralize Hindutva – Wake Up Siddaramaiah, this is not 2013
This type of rhetoric will deteriorate Congress
Congress leaders are targeting Jaishankar, but they must go through tweet first of Siddaramaiah. There are 4000 citizens, and it is foolish to claim that tribal members are left stranded without food. During a crisis, each individual’s situation depends on the location that they are in. So, while some may face food insecurity, others may face a shortage of medical supplies and other basic necessities.
Siddaramaiah’s statement and an attempt to talk about 31 tribals out of almost 4000 people clearly show that it is a political move to garner sympathy of the Karnataka tribal population as the elections are near. This is a mischievous tweet by the former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. As far as Jairam Ramesh is concerned, he must contemplate that he is actually justifying a divisive statement, and it is not only Karnataka where Congress has to compete.
On the contrary, the opposition should have united on this and raised the question of Indian citizens security in a sensible way. Politicising the sensitive event and then castigating others will gain nothing for Congress leaders. These types of political rhetoric will eventually degrade the credibility of Congress, which often shows its opportunist behaviour according to the situation.
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