Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi against criticism regarding the treatment of Muslims in India and his statements made during a press conference in the United States. Sitharaman accused the opposition parties, particularly the Congress, of raising unsubstantiated issues without factual evidence following electoral defeats. She also took aim at former US President Barack Obama, questioning his remarks on Indian Muslims due to the US's military actions in several Muslim-majority nations, according to NDTV reports.
During a news conference, Sitharaman highlighted Prime Minister Modi's assertion of the government's commitment to the "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Collective Efforts, Inclusive Growth) principle and emphasized that the government does not discriminate against any community. She expressed concern over the opposition's engagement in non-issues without proper data, suggesting that such campaigns were organized and lacked merit.
Referring to the international recognition received by Prime Minister Modi, Sitharaman pointed out that out of the 13 awards he has received as Prime Minister, six have been bestowed by countries with Muslim-majority populations. She criticized the opposition for its inability to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Modi electorally, despite the outcome of the recent Karnataka elections. Sitharaman attributed the opposition's actions to a deliberate attempt to tarnish the country's atmosphere and undermine Prime Minister Modi's developmental policies.
Sitharaman also criticized former President Obama for his interview with CNN, where he mentioned raising the issue of Indian Muslims with Prime Minister Modi. Expressing shock at Obama's comments, Sitharaman highlighted the contradiction of a former US President, under whose leadership several Muslim-majority countries were subjected to military bombings, making allegations about religious freedom in India. She emphasized that such remarks only sought to undermine trust and friendship between India and the US.
