Political Firestorm Erupts: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi's 'Afraid of Trump' Remark on PM Modi

A fresh political storm has erupted in India, igniting a fiery exchange between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress, after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a provocative claim regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interactions with former US President Donald Trump.

Gandhi alleged that PM Modi was "afraid" of Trump, suggesting this fear was the underlying reason behind public displays of affection and camaraderie, such as doing yoga and engaging in warm hugs with the former American leader.

The BJP wasted no time in launching a scathing counter-attack, vehemently dismissing Gandhi's assertions as baseless and "ridiculous." BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla led the charge, arguing that if Prime Minister Modi were indeed "afraid" of Donald Trump, the former US President would hardly be showering him with effusive public praise.

Poonawalla highlighted numerous instances where Trump openly lauded Modi, famously referring to him as a "great man" and a "friend."

Poonawalla further bolstered the BJP's defense by recalling Trump's own words, where he reportedly stated that he received "more attention from Modi than anyone else." This, the BJP spokesperson contended, directly contradicts Gandhi's narrative of fear and subservience.

The party asserted that such an equation between two world leaders stems from mutual respect and strategic partnership, not from intimidation.

The BJP spokesperson didn't stop at merely defending PM Modi; he turned the tables on Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of being "obsessed" with the Prime Minister and consistently resorting to "unsubstantiated claims" rather than engaging in meaningful policy debates.

Poonawalla urged Gandhi to "focus on real issues" concerning the nation instead of propagating what the BJP termed as "baseless allegations devoid of facts."

This political spat also brings to mind the much-publicized "Howdy Modi" event in Houston, USA, and Trump's subsequent visit to India, both characterized by grand spectacles of bonhomie and shared stage appearances.

The BJP maintains that these events were significant diplomatic endeavors aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between India and the United States, showcasing India's growing global stature under PM Modi's leadership, rather than being driven by any sense of fear or compulsion.

The latest war of words underscores the intensely polarized political landscape in India, where even international diplomatic interactions become fodder for domestic political battles.

As both parties dig in their heels, the debate continues to rage, reflecting deep ideological divisions and an ongoing contest for public perception regarding national leadership and foreign policy.