Why Does PM Modi Keep Referencing History?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi faces backlash for historical references.
- Opposition questions the BJP's current ceasefire stance.
- Critics urge Modi to address contemporary governance issues.
- Defenders highlight Modi's decisive military actions.
- Historical narratives play a crucial role in political discourse.
New Delhi, Oct 8 (NationPress) Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that the previous Manmohan Singh-led UPA government refrained from retaliating against Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks due to external pressure, the Opposition has raised questions about the BJP-led government’s own ceasefire actions. Numerous leaders have remarked that the Prime Minister tends to invoke history in a selective manner.
In an interview with IANS, senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) figure Tejashwi Yadav expressed, “We had anticipated the Indian Army would act to reclaim PoK, but why was a ceasefire suddenly announced? This anguish is shared by every Indian. Why did the ceasefire occur under the influence of US President Donald Trump, rather than from our Prime Minister? That single post left every Indian disheartened. Our expectations from the Prime Minister have been dashed.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey also criticized the Prime Minister’s remarks, stating, “PM Modi frequently discusses history — from Jawaharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh — but neglects to address his own eleven years in office. Did the 'Acche Din' truly arrive? Were two crore jobs generated annually? Has the rupee strengthened against the dollar? He avoids these topics. The armed forces were prepared to reclaim PoK, but a ceasefire was declared following a single tweet from Donald Trump. Instead of solely discussing 2008, let’s talk about 2025.”
Congress MP Tariq Anwar remarked, “I believe PM Modi should revisit his history lessons. In 1971, under Congress leadership and Indira Gandhi, we not only entered Pakistan but transformed the geography of the region. That is history. It appears PM Modi has overlooked this.”
On the other hand, BJP leader Nitin Nabin defended the Prime Minister’s statements and actions.
“What PM Modi articulates, he accomplishes. There was an era when Prime Ministers remained silent even after our soldiers faced brutalities. Now, actions speak louder than words. PM Modi has responded decisively through surgical strikes, whether in Balakot or Operation Sindoor. The citizens of India take pride in PM Modi and our armed forces.”
Earlier today, PM Modi launched a fierce critique of Congress during the inauguration of Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport. He accused the Congress administration of exhibiting “weakness” in its reaction to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, claiming that political decisions at that time were swayed by pressure from abroad.
“Mumbai is not only the economic hub but also one of India’s most vibrant cities. This is why terrorists targeted it in 2008. However, the Congress government conveyed a message of vulnerability,” PM Modi stated.
He further referenced a recent interview with a former Congress Home Minister, noting, “A senior Congress figure recently disclosed that following the Mumbai attacks, our security forces were prepared to strike Pakistan. But due to pressure from another nation, the Congress government halted them.”