PM Modi's "Tumse Na Ho Payega" Swipe At Rahul Gandhi In Lok Sabha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday mounted a stinging counterattack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as he mocked him as 'balak buddhi' (childish mind), accused him of linking Hindus with violence and making false claims in Lok Sabha, and sought stringent action against him to protect parliamentary democracy.

Replying to a nearly 18-hour-long discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address in the Lower House, PM Modi said the Congress and its "ecosystem" are working day and night to impress upon people that the BJP-led NDA has been defeated in the elections despite voters handing his government a historic third-term for stability and continuity.

"I will tell Congress leaders to not suppress people's mandate under the garb of fake victory celebrations," he said and added the opposition party was behaving as if it had won 99 out 100 seats and not out of 543, the actual strength of the House. The Congress turned into a "parasitic party" in these polls, feeding off its partners' votes to boost its tally, he said.

Instead of conceding defeat, the Congress is behaving arrogantly, he said, adding its cheerful response to the mandate is like a parent encouraging a child who has fallen off a cycle.

In his nearly 135-minute speech, which saw continuous slogan-shouting on the Manipur issue and heckling by opposition members, PM Modi turned his usual combative self after initially listing various successes of his government since 2014 as he took on the Congress and Rahul Gandhi without naming him.

"The mandate for the Congress is to sit in the opposition and keep shouting once it runs out of logic," he said.

Asserting that the main opposition party delivered its third worst performance in the national elections and failed to reach 250-mark after the 1984 polls, he took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi saying, "Aaj desh inse kah raha hai - tumse na ho payega (Country is telling him that you are not up to it)".

He said the Congress became a "parasitic party" in these polls as its tally of 99 was largely curtsey its allies, while it performed poorly with a strike rate of merely 26 per cent where the party was pitted directly against the BJP or was the main opposition force. Its strike rate rose to 50 per cent where it was a junior partner, he added.

The Congress won only two out of 66 seats in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, he said while contrasting the BJP's performance in Lok Sabha as well as assembly polls in Odisha where it formed its maiden government. The Congress is not visible even with the help of a microscope in four states where assembly polls were held while the NDA won an unprecedented mandate.

He accused the party of trying to spread anarchy through its economic policies, "divisive" politics around castes and regions and by raising doubts about India's democratic process.

Keeping the Congress, especially Rahul Gandhi, in his crosshairs, PM Modi said it has become addicted to lies like a man-eater animal to blood.

The House witnessed childish conduct yesterday, he said of Gandhi's speech in which the Congress leader had targeted the government over the Agnipath scheme, the MSP regime and the revamping work in Ayodhya and accused it of violating tenets of Hinduism by allegedly spreading violence and hate, drawing massive protests by treasury benches. Many of his comments were later expunged by the Chair.

"Laments of 'balak buddhi' went on. 'I have been beaten'. A new drama was rolled out to gain sympathy," he said in reference to Rahul Gandhi's charge that he was targeted in different criminal cases at the behest of the central government.

The fact is he is on bail in a corruption case of thousands of crore of rupees, was convicted for calling an OBC community thief and had to tender an apology before the Supreme Court for speaking lies, PM Modi said, adding that he has been facing several cases of defamation.

This "balak buddhi" at times tries to hug someone in the House and sometime winks, the prime minister said, accusing him of tainting Parliament's decorum with his conduct despite being a many-term MP.

He said, "Parliament was misled yesterday. Parliamentary democracy cannot be protected without taking the issue seriously." He told Speaker Om Birla that the House and the country expect him to take stringent action to stop this practice of lies.

Rahul Gandhi, who was present in the House, was reprimanded by Birla for nudging opposition members to enter the Well to protest during PM Modi's speech, and the House later passed a motion moved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and seconded by Home Minister Amit Shah to condemn the opposition's obstructionist conduct.

When seasoned leaders of the party choose this path of anarchy, it shows that the country is headed for trouble, the prime minister said. He asked opposition parties to work with the government on issues of national interest but kept the heat on Gandhi as he concluded his speech by wishing that the God grant good sense to "balak buddhi".

Slamming Gandhi over his reference to Hinduism, he said Hinuds were linked to violence even though it is their tolerance which has allowed diversity to bloom in the country.

"Is this your values and mindset," he asked, claiming that a conspiracy is being hatched to target the community and people will not forgive such conduct for centuries.

He accused the Congress of spreading brazen lies on the Agnipath scheme to discourage youngsters from joining forces and weaken his government's efforts to strengthen India's military might.

Through scams and neglect, the Congress has for decades weakened the armed forces, while he has been working to reform and modernise the defence sector.

Turning to paper leaks, he said his government is taking steps on a war-footing to prevent their recurrence and that the guilty will not be spared. Arrests are taking place across the country.

"The people have seen that we have worked with dedication for the welfare of the poor, fulfilling the mantra of 'public service is God's service'," he said.

The prime minister said he can understand the pain of some who despite spreading lies and misleading the people had to face a massive defeat in the Lok Sabha elections.

"When we had won in 2014, we had said our slogan was zero tolerance towards corruption. I am proud that the common people, who were reeling under corruption and the country had been hollowed out before 2014, have blessed us for our zero tolerance for corruption," PM Modi said.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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Opinion: Why Europe Is Jittery Over A Possible Return Of Trump

President Joe Biden's shaky performance against his rival, Donald Trump, in the first presidential debate on Thursday has sent shockwaves across both sides of the Atlantic. In the US, a CBS News/YouGov poll on Sunday suggested that 72% of registered voters believed Biden did not have the mental fitness to serve as President. Biden is 81 and Trump is 78, but those who watched the debate would have noticed that Biden made his rival look a lot younger. More worrying for the Democratic Party was that the poll indicated that 45% of registered Democrats wanted Biden to step aside for another candidate.

In Europe, Biden's poor showing, which dramatically increased Trump's chances of being re-elected, has stirred up a lot of anxiety about what a second Trump term could mean for Europe's security and Ukraine's future. A Polish news website summed up the continent's worry: "Trump proved once again that his potential victory is bad news for NATO, Ukraine, and by extension, Poland."

Many Europeans believe that Europe's future without a strong US embrace is uncertain. They fear that if Trump wins in the November Presidential election, Europe's security won't be guaranteed. Trump has said he would end the Russia-Ukraine war, and if it ends with the current status quo, it could be seen more as a defeat for NATO than for Ukraine.

NATO Summit At A Critical Juncture

Amidst this anxiety, leaders of the 32-member NATO alliance are meeting in Washington from July 9 to 11 to celebrate its 75th anniversary. But with the ongoing war in Ukraine and Trump's comments in Thursday's debate, there won't be much to celebrate. Trump's views on NATO and Ukraine have cast a shadow over the summit. During the debate, Trump once again chastised European NATO members for not contributing enough to the alliance's budget, an issue that is most certainly to be discussed. Also, the Russian war in Ukraine will be at the top of the agenda, including the issue of Ukraine's membership in NATO.

One of the main reasons European leaders are apprehensive about Trump's potential re-election is his critical stance on NATO during his presidency. He pushed for increased defence budgets among European NATO members. Although this led to some increases, it was often accompanied by harsh rhetoric and threats of withdrawing US support. Many European countries have committed to contributing 2% of their GDP to NATO's budget by the end of this year. With over 3.5% contribution, the US remains the largest contributor to the alliance.

The Reality Of NATO Contributions

In his constant complaints about Europe not paying enough for NATO, Trump misses a vital point. The reality is that the US uses NATO to maintain its authority over Europe. Critics argue that America exerts disproportionate influence within the alliance, directing its strategic priorities and military actions, hoping Europe will follow suit. Historically, whether it is the US invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan or bombings over Libya, the European members of NATO have always supported the US.

The US's stand on the Israel war in Gaza is fully supported by Britain and many European members of NATO. Many ordinary Europeans feel that their governments' foreign policy is subservient to the US. 

Europe's Broader Concerns

Europe doesn't only fear Trump's views on NATO and Ukraine - we might recall that during Trump's presidency, several key international agreements and partnerships were abandoned or renegotiated, often to the dismay of European allies. The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate agreement, the Iran nuclear deal, and various trade agreements created significant rifts. European leaders, who valued these agreements for global stability and environmental protection, are concerned that Trump's re-election would lead to more isolationist policies and a diminished US role in global leadership.

In February, Trump stunned the US political class by saying he would "encourage" Russia "to do whatever the hell they want" to NATO allies who do not spend enough on defence. The statement created a huge controversy, and though Trump's popularity kept growing, it further exacerbated European insecurity. Many fear that Trump's transactional, isolationist, and disruptive style of governance would challenge and possibly destroy the current transatlantic relationship.

Historical Context And European Efforts

Trump, however, is not the only president to have questioned NATO's burden on the US. President Dwight Eisenhower also believed that European nations should eventually be able to defend themselves without relying on the US, suggesting that NATO should not be a permanent solution. More recently, a Republican Senator wondered when Europe would learn to stand on its own feet.
Signs of Europe's Efforts to Reduce US Dependence

Trump's potential return to the White House has led Europe to start preparing for a "Trump-proof" NATO. Many optimists in Europe's academic circles believe the continent can become an independent force in a multipolar world, arguing that Europe has the resources to fend for itself. The continent has contributed more financially to Ukraine's war efforts than the US. Many European countries have begun investing in rebuilding their defence capabilities, which they had reduced since NATO began providing security in 1949.

In April, French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for a more independent European foreign policy, saying it was time for Europe to be more united and independent. In a speech at Sorbonne University in Paris, Macron said the continent was "too slow and lacks ambition" and that the 27-member European Union needs to become a superpower, defend its own borders, and speak with one voice if it wants to survive and thrive.

A Europe without the NATO security cover might be music to Russia's ears, but the continent could descend into chaos from internal quarrels if the US were to leave the alliance. Historically, Germany, France, and Britain were often at war, culminating in the two world wars. Since then, it has been peaceful and prosperous, thanks mainly to the US.

But since Trump's last time in power (2016-2020), the European Union has been working seriously on strengthening the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), increasing defence budgets, and enhancing military cooperation among member states. Initiatives like the European Defense Fund (EDF) and Permanent Structured Cooperation aim to develop joint military projects and improve defence readiness. Additionally, countries such as France and Germany are advocating for a more integrated European army to ensure the continent can independently manage its security and respond to potential threats.

As Trump's potential re-election looms, the NATO summit will give Europe an opportunity to seek the security guarantee regardless of who the US president is. But it will be wise to start preparing to strengthen its own defence capabilities to reduce dependency on the US. One can argue that in case Trump is re-elected, it might hurt the Europeans. That is why instead of trying to strike for a Trump-proof NATO, it will be more beneficial for Europe to continue to prepare itself for a US-free NATO.

(Syed Zubair Ahmed is a London-based senior Indian journalist with three decades of experience with the Western media)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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Opinion: Cricket, Power, And India's T20 Glory In Barbados

A Mouthful of Sky. 
A heart rate dangerously above normal. 
A pulsating country of 1.5 billion people erupting in joy and frenzy.

Even before India lifted an ICC trophy after a dry spell of 13 years, cricket gave us everything it was supposed to. What happened afterwards is just a matter of minor detail.

But what happens when a country scores a sporting victory? Let's begin with modifying an adage misattributed to Oscar Wilde. "Everything in human life is really about sex, except sex. Sex is about power." Everything is about cricket; cricket is about power. Is it any wonder, then, that the United States is now 'bigly' interested in cricket?

What This Cup Means To Us

Once we have done celebrating on the streets, hugging strangers in elation, replaying those magical moments of first-class cricket that culminated in a dream-like victory, and writing opinion essays on why this ICC T20 World Cup-winning men's team is the best in the world, we ought to think a little deeply about what this win means to us. To the pedant, to the mondain, and to the plebian.

Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano's masterpiece on football, Soccer in Sun and Shadow, is a one-stop shop for those meaning to explore the power of sports. "Tell me how you play and I'll tell you who you are," says Galeano. His explorations of 'soccer' in Latin America reveal everything about the region's past, present, and even future. Soccer is inextricably linked to the Latin American identity as cricket is to the South Asian. There's something primordial about it. We do not really see it in the so-called 'first world'. 

This author had her worst sports experience in a city in Scotland - a country with an international cricket team. There's nothing worse than being the only person familiar with cricket in a country that has played cricket for more than two centuries. The saltiness of India's defeat in the ICC ODI World Cup (men) final was exacerbated by the fact that the colonisers, who brought us the sport, have moved on totally and completely. They do not see it as a tool to wield their power; it's up to the Brave New World to do whatever they want with cricket.

Never Just A Game

Caribbean writer CLR James wrote in Beyond a Boundary, "There can be raw pain and bleeding where so many thousands see the inevitable ups and downs of only a game." For countries like India, cricket can never be just a game, no matter how loud the cynics shout from their ivory towers. A cricket win or loss has consequences for those who are not even in the stadium, physically or metaphorically. West Indies-it's not a country-predicated its unity principle on the power of cricket. It cannot be trivialised as "just a game". An acknowledgement of its power is the first step towards rescuing it from the ills that power breeds.

In total contrast with Plato's conceptualisation of sports - a means to the end of personal virtue, intellectual prowess, and socio-political harmony - victory does not necessarily have a sobering impact on a people. Scholars like Ria Ivandić, Tom Kirchmaier, Yasaman Saeidi, and Neus Torres Blas have recently demonstrated how "in sum, across a wide variety of sports and contexts, domestic abuse is shown to increase following a game". Yes, there may be public scenes of celebrations with all the generations partaking in the glory of an elusive defeat. There may be momentary egalitarianism manifesting in high-fiving between the Porsche-driving elite and the balloon-selling vendors.

A Dramatic Victory, A Terrible Beauty

There's nothing more satisfying than a dramatic victory. "To win without magic, without surprise or beauty, isn't that worse than losing?" Galeano says so about football victories. With a dramatic sports victory, a terrible beauty is born. How much terror it should be allowed to unleash is a matter for a functioning republic to assess. India has recognised the potential of cricket to nurture a national identity - career politicians have actively engaged with the sport's management and exploited its promise. Cricketers have dabbled in realpolitik, too. It's all fair game.

India's present moment of cricketing glory has come from Barbados. It is the place where one of the most significant controversies, with overlaps of colonialism, identity, and cricket erupted twenty-five years ago. Lloyd Barker, a West Indian umpire, was accused by BBC correspondent Christopher Martin Jenkins of capitulating under West Indies captain Viv Richards's appeal and wrongly dismissing Robert Bailey during the England-West Indies Test series in 1990. Barbados erupted in protest against this affront to the Caribbean culture and character. 

The history of cricket in India must undertake what Galeano says in the context of football: "a sad voyage from beauty to duty". India has a duty to - and only India can -  protect cricket's beauty. 

(Nishtha Gautam is a Delhi-based author and academic.)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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