Is PM Modi a Liability or an Asset for India? Tariq Anwar Challenges Shashi Tharoor’s Praise

New Delhi, June 24 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader and MP Tariq Anwar on Tuesday vehemently disagreed with fellow party member Shashi Tharoor’s recent assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "prime asset for India".

Labeling the statement as merely a personal viewpoint, Anwar argued that PM Modi has transitioned from being an asset to a "liability" for the nation.

In an interview with IANS, Tariq Anwar remarked: "There has been no discussion within the party regarding Shashi Tharoor's comments, and what he has articulated in his article represents his individual opinion. If the party opts to address this, it may escalate to the disciplinary committee."

Criticizing PM Modi's governance and foreign policy, Anwar stated: "Even if Tharoor perceives the Prime Minister as an asset, for the average citizen, he has become a liability. His failures span economic management, national security, and foreign relations. Once touted as a strength, his foreign policy has been laid bare — we now find ourselves isolated on the global stage, despite aspiring to be a Vishwa Guru."

He also expressed serious concerns about national security.

“Terrorists infiltrated our borders with alarming ease, and we have not been able to identify or apprehend them. This is a clear indication of this government’s failure in addressing national security. From economic policies to diplomatic relations and internal safety, the PM Modi administration has consistently underperformed.”

Anwar also commended Gujarat Congress President Shaktisinh Gohil for resigning following the party's defeat in recent bypolls, describing it as a commendable act of accountability.

"Shaktisinh Gohil's decision is exemplary. This is the kind of accountability we need within the Congress party. When Rahul Gandhi lost the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he accepted moral responsibility and stepped down as party President, despite unanimous pleas for him to remain. He stood his ground and did not return, even under pressure. If he can take accountability, then why not other leaders in our party?"

Regarding news that Rahul Gandhi has received an invitation from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to discuss his concerns about the fairness of the previous Maharashtra Assembly elections, Anwar stated: "The party will deliberate on this matter. Rahul Gandhi will evaluate whether the ECI’s response meets our expectations. If it does not, he is ready to meet the ECI — he has nothing to conceal and no fear."

In response to critiques regarding Rahul Gandhi’s foreign trips, Anwar took a harsh jab at PM Modi’s international travel history.

"Comparing the number of trips undertaken by Rahul Gandhi to those of the Prime Minister makes it clear who travels more frequently abroad. It became somewhat of a joke that the Prime Minister was always 'returning' to India due to his constant travels. His international trips are remarkably costly, amounting to crores and billions of rupees, yet what concrete benefits have we derived from them? Nothing so far," he asserted.