Following Rahul Gandhi's 'Narender Surrender' remark, the Congress intensified its verbal battle against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. This time, they showcased former US President Donald Trump's iconic red 'Make America Great Again' cap on social media, emblazoned with 'Narender Surrender.' This pointed towards Gandhi's allegation that PM Modi agreed to a ceasefire with Pakistan after a call from Trump.
The controversy began on Tuesday during the launch of the Congress's organizational campaign in Bhopal when Rahul Gandhi alleged that PM Modi capitulated to American pressure. Gandhi stated that Trump merely gestured, picked up his phone, and instructed 'Mr. Modi, what are you doing? Narendra Surrender,' prompting Modi to comply and follow Trump's directives.
Further targeting the BJP and RSS, Gandhi claimed they lack the courage to withstand pressure. 'I know people from the BJP-RSS. A little push and slight pressure, and they run away in fear.' He contrasted this with former Congress leaders, recalling how during the 1971 war when the US sent the Seventh Fleet, Indira Gandhi stood firm, declaring, 'I will decide what to do.'
Supporting Gandhi's statements, Congress leader Pawan Khera told journalists not to confuse India with a submissive stance. 'They deliver grand speeches but eventually surrender. Recently, they spoke extensively about China, but now they don’t mention China even once.'
BJP Hit Back
The BJP fired back at Rahul Gandhi's statements. Party leader Pradeep Bhandari remarked that under PM Modi's leadership, India has given a befitting response to the terror masterminds in Pakistan. From Salman Khurshid to Shashi Tharoor, every Congress leader is discussing this while Pakistan itself stands as testimony... The public considers Rahul Gandhi as an agent of Pakistan.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also countered Congress’s claims stating that even foolishness and opposition have boundaries. Does anyone in Congress understand that being in opposition doesn't mean being against the nation? BJP’s IT cell head Amit Malviya tweeted, remembering how history will note that from Doklam to Pahalgam, whenever India stood unified to defend its sovereignty and emerge as a global power, Rahul Gandhi chose to align with forces opposing India's political and economic resurgence, true to his lineage’s legacy.
Shashi Tharoor Comments
Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took a different stance, currently leading an all-party delegation to various countries, including the US after the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, as part of India’s global outreach. When asked about Gandhi's comments, Tharoor stated there was no need to convince India to cease conflict. It wasn't necessary for anyone to advise us to halt because we consistently stated that once Pakistan stops, we are ready to halt. Therefore, if they implied to the Pakistanis, 'You should cease since the Indians are ready,' it was a commendable gesture on their part.
Tharoor added that if terrorism employs a certain language, they will respond forcefully, which removes the need for a third party. He emphasized India’s significant strategic partnerships and their respect for the United States.
