Nirmala Sitharaman’s scathing attack on Barack Obama on minority remark: ‘Bombed 6 Muslim countries…’

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has strongly criticized former US President Barack Obama’s comments on the condition of ethnic minorities in India. Sitharaman’s rebuke came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his three-day visit to the United States. In a strong reaction, Sitharaman questioned Obama’s record, pointing out that six Muslim-majority countries had suffered bombings during his tenure. The finance minister expressed surprise at the timing of Obama’s statement and said it should be taken seriously when the leader comments on India’s religious tolerance. Besides, acknowledging the concerns expressed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi about the plight of the poor and minority communities in India, Sitharaman hit out at the opposition parties and their behavior abroad.

Obama’s statement criticized

Sitharaman expressed surprise and criticized the timing of Obama’s statement about Indian Muslims during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the US. He told that six Muslim-majority countries were bombed during Obama’s tenure. Sitharaman said, ‘It was surprising that when the PM was on a US tour, a former US President (Barack Obama) was giving a statement about Indian Muslims.’

Questioning Obama’s Record

Sitharaman questioned Obama’s record, highlighting the bomb blasts in several countries during his leadership. He cited Syria, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Iraq as examples where war-like situations arose and many bombs were dropped. Sitharaman said, “From Syria to Yemen and Saudi to Iraq, didn’t the bombing happen? Then there was a war-like situation in 7 countries and 26,000 bombs were dropped. When such leaders comment on India’s religious tolerance, who will take ?” them seriously?”

Opposition party on target

Sitharaman also criticized the opposition parties for their behavior abroad and accused them of not speaking in favor of India. He claimed that these parties resort to alternative routes and hold discussions abroad as they are unable to defeat PM Modi. Sitharaman said, “They cannot defeat PM Modi, that’s why they take a different path and become a part of such discussions.”

Rahul Gandhi’s concerns

During PM Modi’s recent US visit, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed concern about the conditions of the poor and minority communities in India. Gandhi emphasized that Indians do not believe in hating each other, but blamed a small group of people controlling the system and the media for fanning the flames of hatred.

Obama’s comments

Obama’s remarks about ethnic minorities in India came soon after a joint press conference held by PM Modi and US President Joe Biden in Washington DC. Obama expressed his interest in discussing with Modi the rights of ethnic minorities and the possible consequences if those rights are not protected.