Shiv Sena (UBT) Criticizes Modi Govt as Pakistan Emerges as Key Mediator in Iran-US Conflict
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Mumbai, April 9 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) expressed on Thursday that Pakistan, a country often criticized as a hub for terrorism and anti-India plots, is now being recognized by the global media as a "global peacemaker". In the wake of a month-long conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, Pakistan has taken center stage as the main mediator, effectively leaving the Indian government in a diminished role internationally.
The Thackeray faction, in a biting editorial published in the party's official publication, Saamana, pointed out the irony of Pakistan gaining international stature due to the "misguided actions" of the BJP-led government. The editorial questioned, "In this context, can India compete with Pakistan moving forward? Can Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah realize the goal of an 'Akhand Hindustan' by reclaiming Kashmir from Pakistan? Given that the Prime Minister has seemingly 'withdrawn into a shell' on this matter, we cannot expect any bold statements from him. PM Modi has executed a 'masterstroke' that brings embarrassment to India. To his blind followers, I say, 'applaud accordingly'.
The editorial highlighted that while the Modi administration was engrossed in political strategies regarding elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, and Kerala, the US and Israel completely overlooked India, opting for Pakistan as the host for future peace discussions.
This situation has been labeled a "disastrous failure" by the editorial. It argued that India should have been vigilant when it became clear that Pakistan was working towards peace amid the Iran-Israel-US conflict. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar dismissed Pakistan as a "broker nation", yet that same country is set to facilitate upcoming global peace talks.
The editorial also pointed to the abrupt conclusion of Operation Sindoor, which was aimed at avenging the Pahalgam incident, alleging that PM Modi capitulated under directives from President Trump. It stated that while previous leaders like Nehru and Indira Gandhi solidified India's stature in global affairs, the current leadership has allowed that influence to wane.
The Thackeray camp asserted, "Our 'Vishwaguru' finds comfort in attacking Pandit Nehru and Indira Gandhi during election cycles, yet the international recognition that those same Nehru-Gandhis brought to India has been obliterated in the Modi administration."