Is Uddhav Thackeray Right to Criticize the Centre Over Tariffs and Foreign Policy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Uddhav Thackeray criticizes the BJP-led government for its foreign policy failures.
- The imposition of a 50% tariff by the US is seen as a consequence of these failures.
- Thackeray questions PM Modi's leadership during crises.
- He emphasizes the need for transparency in government decisions.
- Thackeray asserts the importance of defining patriotism in the context of relations with Pakistan.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray fiercely criticized the BJP-led central government, asserting that the United States' implementation of a 50% tariff on Indian products is a direct consequence of India's ineffective foreign policy and will have a detrimental effect on the average citizen.
"Trump is ridiculing India, yet there is no reaction from our government. Who is in charge of running the country? We require a Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Foreign Minister, and Home Minister. All of them belong to the BJP. This government has proven to be inadequate, unsuccessful, and powerless. It lacks a coherent foreign policy," Thackeray declared during a press event.
This remark follows the United States announcing an additional 25% tariff on Indian exports on Wednesday, bringing the total tariff to over 50%.
Thackeray remarked that during the Pahalgam incident, PM Modi was in Bihar. "A true Prime Minister would have gone to Pahalgam. He is merely a propaganda PM, not representing the nation," he emphasized.
Currently on a three-day trip to New Delhi to engage with leaders of the INDIA bloc and attend a dinner hosted by Rahul Gandhi, Thackeray accused the government of lacking integrity. "Pakistan remains our adversary. We halted matches in Delhi and Mumbai. We insisted that games should not occur until Pakistan ceases its terrorist actions. Even Sushma Swaraj endorsed this stance. They are disgraceful. The children of ministers like Jay Shah are traveling to Dubai to view Pakistan's matches. This cannot be deemed patriotic. A genuine patriot should not maintain any ties with Pakistan," he stated.
Thackeray declared that it is time to ascertain who is truly India's ally. "There is no nation where PM Modi hasn't visited. Our conflict with Pakistan continues. It has come to light that China is supporting Pakistan," he mentioned.
Furthermore, Thackeray reproached Prime Minister Modi for visiting China amidst escalating diplomatic tensions against India.
"India had previously boycotted Chinese firms. Why is PM Modi visiting China? Why is India playing cricket with Pakistan? What will Amit Shah and Modi say to those who have devastated our mothers and sisters? During crises, PM Modi and HM Amit Shah seem to vanish," he remarked, adding that Manipur remains in turmoil while the BJP focuses solely on creating divisions within various political parties.
Regarding the controversy surrounding the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, Thackeray questioned whether the government was executing a covert version of CAA-NRC. He indicated that the Election Commission is instructing citizens to verify their identities, suggesting that the CAA-NRC might be implemented similarly. Thackeray insisted that the Election Commission needs to address the concerns raised by political parties and civic organizations.
On the State Election Commission's decision not to use VVPAT in local and civic elections in Maharashtra, Thackeray questioned the purpose of elections without transparency.
When asked about the INDIA bloc, Thackeray stated that there is no confusion or strife within it.
Discussing the alliance between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena led by Raj Thackeray, he affirmed, "Raj and I are fully capable of making our own decisions. We do not require a third party."