"Any Narrative...": BJP MP On Rahul Gandhi's "Narendra Surrender" Remark
Any political narrative created within India's borders does not carry weight on the global stage, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi told NDTV when asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "surrender" swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi
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BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi shared her insights with NDTV after completing a 5-nation diplomatic tour
New Delhi:
Political narratives created within India's borders hold little significance on the international stage, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi told NDTV when questioned about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's "surrender" comment directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ms Sarangi has just returned from a five-nation diplomatic mission as part of an Indian delegation tasked with highlighting Pakistan's connections to terrorist activities in India and explaining New Delhi's position following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor.
When asked about Mr Gandhi's criticism of the Prime Minister, which has triggered strong reactions from the BJP, Ms Sarangi responded, "Congress party members were part of our delegation, and they too presented a unified voice regarding India's firm stance against terrorism. During our time abroad, we all conveyed the same message. Any narrative constructed within India's borders lacks significance in the international arena."
Ms Sarangi described the 14-day diplomatic initiative as an overwhelming success that demonstrated India's determination to combat terrorism and showcased its global standing. "After fourteen days, it's wonderful to be back. This visit was extremely successful and profoundly meaningful," she stated.
Ms Sarangi participated in the delegation led by JDU MP Sanjay Jha that visited Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Other delegation members included BJP's Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah and Hemang Joshi, Trinamool's Abhishek Banerjee, CPM's John Brittas, Congress's Salman Khurshid and former diplomat Mohan Kumar.
"We dedicated significant time engaging with various segments of the population, clearly articulating India's position on cross-border terrorism. India rejects violence within its territories and refuses to allow peace to be disrupted," Ms Sarangi explained.
She emphasized that the delegation represented India rather than any specific political party. "This was not a BJP or NDA delegation, but a multi-party mission. We received recognition, engaged in discussions, and were acknowledged by all nations we visited. Most of these countries offered unconditional support for India's cause," she added.
Ms Sarangi also commended the reception they received in all five nations. "Each country faces its own internal challenges, yet they were civil, courteous, and showed profound respect toward us."
Mr Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has criticized the Prime Minister, claiming that the US mediated the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. "With slight pressure, they retreat out of fear. When Trump called Modi ji-'Modi ji what are you doing, Narender-Surrender and with 'yes sir', Narender ji followed Trump. During the 1971 war, when the Seventh Fleet came from the US, Indira Gandhi stated she would do whatever necessary. That's the difference. This is their character; they're all like this. Since the Independence movement, they have this habit of writing letters of surrender," Rahul Gandhi stated.
While the Donald Trump administration has claimed credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan – and Islamabad has thanked Washington, DC as well – New Delhi maintains that the US role was limited to expressing concern. Dr Jaishankar has clarified that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance had reached out. "We made one thing very clear to everyone who spoke to us, not just the United States but to all parties, that if the Pakistanis want to stop fighting, they need to communicate this to us directly. We need to hear it from them. Their general must contact our general and state this. And that is precisely what occurred," he explained.
Responding to Mr Gandhi's comments, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, "Rahul Gandhi has once again demonstrated that for him, LoP means leader of Pakistani propaganda. He's promoting propaganda that even Pakistan itself couldn't manage to spread."
"Rahul Gandhi, trust what the DGMO stated, what the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed... If not them, at least believe Shashi (Tharoor), Manish (Tewari) and Salman (Khurshid). They have confirmed that no mediation took place, India did not initiate contact with Pakistan, their DGMO reached out to India," he stated.