BJP slams Nisar’s comment on Modi

Published May 2, 2014
BJP leader Narendra Modi. — File Photo
BJP leader Narendra Modi. — File Photo
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. — File Photo
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. — File Photo

NEW DELHI: India’s main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has slammed the opinion apparently expressed by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan that Hindutva hardliner Narendra Modi’s feared elevation as prime minister could destabilise the region, The Hindu said on Thursday.

Asking Pakistan to “mend its ways”, the BJP cautioned that the “manner” in which the neighbouring country was behaving with India “will not work”.

There was no explanation about what the controversial “manner” might be but rightwing Hindu politicians have a catalogue of sharp criticisms of Pakistan.

The trigger for the BJP’s reaction to Mr Khan’s reported comments is centred on the alleged refuge of Mumbai underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in Karachi, who Modi has threatened to bring back to India.

BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said Mr Khan’s statement was an over-reaction in a matter that was not his (the minister’s) subject.

“Mr Modi spoke about his priority in trying to get a convicted Indian criminal back to India and [have him] tried/convicted under due process of the Indian legal system. He believes in positive engagement with the global community, peaceful coexistence, but at no point will our foreign policy bow to any other nation or interest group.

“Pakistan’s Interior Minister’s statements raise serious doubts over their intention of aiding in bringing Indian criminals hiding in Pakistan to justice.”

Mr Khan has reportedly condemned Mr Modi’s statement, saying the BJP leader could become a threat to regional peace. He apparently said: “Before making such an irresponsible statement, Modi should have first confirmed the whereabouts of Dawood.”

Mr Khan said Pakistan could not be taken lightly by talking of attacks on its soil to take out Dawood.

According to reports, the minister has said that Mr Modi has gone to such an extent “in enmity towards Pakistan” that if elected as prime minister, he would destabilise the regional peace.

He has added that the Gujarat chief minister has not learnt his lessons from the 2002 Gujarat riots, when he earned a bad name.

Dawood is accused of masterminding the 1993 Mumbai blasts with the blessings of Pakistan’s military intelligence. Pakistan has denied the charges.

Opinion

Editorial

Dar in Kabul
Updated 22 Apr, 2025

Dar in Kabul

Kabul must ensure that the TTP and other anti-Pakistan groups are put out of business.
Ready to talk
22 Apr, 2025

Ready to talk

ADVISER to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah’s phone calls to Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon regarding...
Grassroots governance
22 Apr, 2025

Grassroots governance

WHEN something as basic as a functioning union council is absent in over a quarter of Balochistan’s areas more ...
Middle East carnage
Updated 21 Apr, 2025

Middle East carnage

It seems that to many in the world, people of Yemen and occupied Palestine are not human.
A new page
21 Apr, 2025

A new page

FOREIGN Secretary Amna Baloch’s trip to Dhaka has breathed new life into Pakistan’s long-dormant relationship...
No stone unturned
21 Apr, 2025

No stone unturned

WHILE the absence of new polio cases since Feb 10 is welcome news, this pause in transmission must not breed...