Eknath Shinde Calls Rahul Gandhi's Criticism Of PM Modi 'Treason'

(MENAFN- AsiaNet News)

Shinde Slams Rahul Gandhi, Questions Patriotism

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the U.S. decision to grant India a waiver to buy Russian oil amid escalating West Asia tensions. He responded to Gandhi’s statement, which called Indian foreign policy “exploitation of a compromised individual” and said that New Delhi’s foreign policy should be based on the nation’s history and values. Shinde stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the country toward becoming a global “economic superpower.” “PM Narendra Modi is moving our country forward… The country is heading toward becoming an economic superpower. India’s respect is growing worldwide,” the Deputy CM said a day earlier.

The Deputy CM questioned Gandhi’s patriotism, saying, “What kind of patriotism is this that defames India while living here and abroad? This is treason.” He accused Gandhi of intentionally targeting the Prime Minister for “breaking news,” implying it’s a tactic to stay politically relevant. “He knows that if he makes allegations against PM Modi, it becomes breaking news… It’s a publicity stunt for him,” Shinde added.

Background: US Oil Waiver and Gandhi’s Criticism

This came after Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government over sovereignty issues in a X post following a U.S. Treasury Secretary’s X post, where it was announced that the department issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil to help maintain oil flow into the global market.

Rahul Gandhi’s Statement on Foreign Policy

“India’s foreign policy is shaped by the collective will of our people. It should be rooted in our history, geography, and spiritual values based on Satya and Ahimsa. What we are witnessing today is not policy. It is the result of exploiting a compromised individual,” Gandhi wrote on X.

U.S. Treasury on Short-Term Waiver

Washington stated it expects New Delhi to “increase” purchases of U.S. oil following this short-term waiver. “President Trump’s energy agenda has led to oil and gas production reaching record highs. To keep oil flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to buy Russian oil. This short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefits to the Russian government as it only authorizes transactions involving oil already stranded at sea. India is a key partner of the United States, and we fully expect New Delhi to ramp up U.S. oil purchases. This temporary measure will help ease pressure caused by Iran’s attempts to hold the global energy market hostage,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote on X. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)