Cong steps up attacks on Jaishankar over Sudan response: ‘Eager to please master … no accountability’

A most appalling response from the External Affairs minister to a former CM with a genuine appeal. This level of nastiness from a man I have known so very well… who has developed new loyalties and who wants to show that in whatever he says and does. I am 😷 on his past. https://t.co/Eh9sixxbU9 pic.twitter.com/NdtPYGIipZ

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) April 19, 2023

Sharing an article on the matter, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor said, “On this issue ⁦@DrSJaishankar’s response surprises me. He knows that public representatives frequently⁩ convey to Govt appeals from constituents in distress. He has helped me/several during Covid. Why was @siddaramaiah⁩ ji’s request ‘appalling’?”

On this issue ⁦@DrSJaishankar’s response surprises me. He knows that public representatives frequently⁩ convey to Govt appeals from constituents in distress. He has helped me w/several during Covid. Why was @siddaramaiah⁩ ji’s request “appalling”? https://t.co/LVgQrxlbgj

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 19, 2023

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Asked about the sharp Twitter exchange between Jaishankar and Siddaramaiah, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said, “I am very shocked at the reaction that came. Our leader Siddaramaiah gave him an apt reply when he said that ‘if he is done with appalling, he needs to start assisting citizens’. The problem with people in this government is that for every little thing they get so riled up.

“He (Siddaramaiah) put out a message seeking the assistance of India’s foreign minister to safely ensure the passage of citizens from Karnataka struck in Sudan, what was so riling about it. The problem with most of these ministers, who are so eager to prove their loyalty to their master and be his voice, is that they have forgotten that they are sworn to certain responsibilities, they are sworn to accountability,” Shrinate added.

Coming to Jaishankar’s defence, the BJP said the “divide and rule mindset has no place in New India”. Sharing Jaishakar’s tweet, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya said, “MEA @DrSJaishankar reprimanding Siddaramaiah for his irresponsible politics serves as reminder to all who Siddaramaiah – the politician, really is. One must not compromise core Kannada interests in lieu of electoral gains. This divide & rule mindset has no place in #NewIndia.”

On Tuesday, a war of words broke out between the minister and the Congress veteran over the latter’s tweets drawing attention to the fact that 31 people from an Adivasi community in Karnataka are stranded in Sudan. Siddaramaiah alleged that the government had not intervened in the matter. “Hakki Pikkis in Sudan are left stranded without food since the last few days & the govt is yet to initiate action to bring them back,” he tweeted.

In response, Jaishankar accused the former Karnataka CM of politicising the issue. “It is grossly irresponsible of you to politicize their situation. No electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad,” he tweeted.To this, Siddaramaiah retorted, “If you are busy getting appalled please point us to the person who can help us bring our people back”.In response to his tweet, Foreign Minister Jaishankar said, “Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don’t do politics.”

He also said the Embassy of India in Khartoum had been in touch with most Indian nationals and PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) in Sudan since the situation in the African country started deteriorating on April 14.The minister added that the details and locations of Indian nationals cannot be made public for security reasons. “It is grossly irresponsible of you to politicize their situation. No electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad,” he said.

— With PTI inputs