Is Rahul Gandhi Right? Salman Khurshid Backs His Statements on 'Surrender' Allegations

Synopsis
In a recent statement, Salman Khurshid backed Rahul Gandhi amid backlash over his 'surrender' comment towards PM Modi. Khurshid emphasized the need for unity against terrorism and questioned the lack of patriotism among critics. Explore how political allegiances affect national narratives in today's India.
Key Takeaways
- Salman Khurshid endorses Rahul Gandhi amidst criticism.
- Gandhi's comments reflect a broader narrative regarding foreign influence on Indian politics.
- Khurshid emphasizes unity against terrorism.
- The need for political leaders to prioritize national interest over personal gain.
- Operation Sindoor Outreach aims to address cross-border terrorism.
New Delhi, June 5 (NationPress) Senior Congress figure and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid has publicly endorsed Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who is under severe scrutiny from the NDA for his contentious 'Narendra, surrender' remark.
While addressing a gathering at the Congress' state headquarters in Bhopal, Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of yielding to United States President Donald Trump. He pointed out that this behavior aligns with a long-standing trend of the BJP and RSS succumbing to external pressures.
Gandhi stated, 'Jaise udhar se Trump ne ishara kiya, phone uthaya, kaha Modi ji kya kar rahe ho. Narendra... Surrender aur ji huzur kar Modi ji ne Trump ke ishare ka palan kiya,' suggesting that Modi obediently adhered to Trump’s directives.
In an interview with IANS, Khurshid backed Gandhi, affirming, 'Rahul Gandhi is correct. I support him. I belong to his party and follow his political guidance. It is evident that I am a member of Rahul Gandhi's party, I stand with him, and I operate according to his directives.'
When questioned about Gandhi's comments being broadcast on Pakistani television to fuel anti-India sentiments, Khurshid brushed off the inquiry, asserting, 'We firmly oppose Pakistan's actions. Our goal is to ensure Pakistan is unable to foster terrorism against India. That is our sole focus. We do not watch Pakistani TV; our Indian channels suffice for us.'
Khurshid was also part of an all-party delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, which traveled to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia as part of Operation Sindoor Outreach.
This initiative aimed to underscore India's position on terrorism sponsored by Pakistan.
During this international trip, Khurshid, who had previously served as External Affairs Minister during the UPA administration, expressed concerns regarding political rifts in India and pondered why it has become challenging for some to endorse patriotic initiatives.
In a post on X, he expressed, 'When on a mission against terrorism, to convey India's message globally, it is disheartening that individuals at home are weighing political affiliations. Is it so hard to be patriotic?'
Regarding this tweet, Khurshid robustly defended his stance and criticized his detractors by saying, 'Is it so difficult to be patriotic? Why is no one responding to me? If anyone is advocating for the nation, let them speak. Why create issues over it? Advocating for the country's welfare is not wrong; it is commendable. Everyone should support what is said for the nation's benefit.'