Did India Block Austrian Economist Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn's Account Over Controversial Post?
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Synopsis
The Indian government has blocked the X account of Austrian economist Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn due to a controversial post that sparked outrage. This action raises questions about freedom of speech and international relations. What are the implications of this decision for India's diplomatic ties?
Key Takeaways
- Indian government blocks controversial account
- Post called for dismantling India
- Widespread outrage on social media
- Political leaders demand action
- Implications for international relations
New Delhi, Sep 5 (NationPress) The Indian government took action on Friday by blocking the X account of Austrian economist Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn. This decision followed his controversial post advocating for the “dismantling” of India. The viral post featured a distorted map portraying parts of Indian territory as belonging to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Khalistan.
In his message, Fehlinger-Jahn stated: “I call to dismantle India into ExIndia. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is Russia's man. We need friends of freedom for Khalistan.” This statement sparked significant backlash across various social media platforms, leading to sharp condemnation from political figures and the public.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi raised concerns about tolerating such propaganda, calling on the Ministry of External Affairs to engage with the Austrian Embassy regarding the issue.
After a thorough review, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology instructed X to restrict access to the account in India. It has since been disabled for users within the country.
Fehlinger-Jahn currently holds the position of President of the Austrian Committee for NATO Membership of Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia, and Austria, and serves on the board of the Action Group for Regional Economic Integration of the Southern Balkans.
Amidst heavy trolling, Gunther’s 2023 tweet endorsing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a potential Prime Minister also gained traction. In a prior tweet, he criticized Prime Minister Modi, labeling him as pro-China and pro-Russia.
This controversy arises just a few months after Prime Minister Modi’s landmark visit to Austria in July 2024, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in 41 years, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize that while the government has taken steps to protect India's territorial integrity, we must also navigate the complex waters of freedom of expression. The incident serves as a reminder of the fine balance between safeguarding national interests and respecting diverse opinions.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn's account blocked?
His account was blocked due to a controversial post calling for the dismantling of India, which sparked outrage across social media.
What was depicted in Fehlinger-Jahn's controversial post?
The post included a distorted map showing parts of Indian territory as belonging to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Khalistan.
What actions did Indian political leaders take in response?
Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi urged the Ministry of External Affairs to address the issue with the Austrian Embassy.
What is Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn's current position?
He is the President of the Austrian Committee for NATO Membership of Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia, and Austria.
How did the public react to Fehlinger-Jahn's tweet?
The tweet triggered widespread backlash and condemnation from political leaders and netizens alike.
