Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 8: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Wednesday launched a fierce attack on the BJP-led central government, claiming that while Pakistan has gained international recognition for mediating the US-Iran ceasefire, India’s global standing has suffered under the current leadership.
Speaking at a press conference, Raut criticised India’s absence in the diplomatic process, highlighting that Pakistan and China were receiving credit for peace efforts while India remained on the sidelines. “Pakistan has returned to the world map by mediating between the US and Iran. This is a matter of shame for India. Our Prime Minister, who calls himself a ‘Mahavishwaguru,’ is merely acting like a telephone operator, chatting with leaders of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Nepal, while others take the lead in global diplomacy,” he said.
Raut argued that India should have been credited for bringing leaders like Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iranian officials to the negotiating table, but a “lack of clear stance” from the government resulted in diplomatic failure. He praised Iran for resisting global powers, asserting that the country defied expectations despite 35 days of intense conflict, and claimed it “shattered the baseless fear” surrounding the military might of the US and Israel. He described Trump as a “mob-leader” taught a lesson by Iran’s resilience.
He also criticised the Prime Minister for focusing on domestic political battles while the world was on the brink of conflict. “The 'Mahavishwaguru' was busy dropping 'word bombs' in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. He is using the Election Commission and the Vice President as weapons to destroy democracy at home, while China and Pakistan are taking credit for stopping a global war,” Raut said.
Targeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Raut pointed out the irony in the minister previously labelling Pakistan a “broker” nation while Trump thanked the same country for its mediation. He demanded Jaishankar’s immediate resignation, calling his role in the Cabinet a liability that has led to “national humiliation.”
Raut mocked the government’s earlier rhetoric on hoisting the Indian flag in Islamabad, contrasting it with Pakistan’s current diplomatic prestige. “You spoke of taking over Islamabad, but today, Trump and Netanyahu are sitting there to discuss world peace. This is a slap in the face of the Modi government. For the prestige Pakistan has gained today, Narendra Modi and his government are solely responsible,” he said.