Proxy pushback: After Rajnath, now Gadkari & Venkaiah; BJP is running out of patience with Trump
In a recent comment, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, 'Sabke boss' was not happy with India's development; Union Minister Nitin Gadkari condemned the tariffs as an act of 'dada giri'; while senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu said that Trump dining with individuals linked to terrorism, like General Munir, was not well-received in India. Referring to the 'dead' economy comment, Naidu said Trump's comment was not worthy of an American president. Not just the top leaders, even MPs and state leaders of the BJP are now attacking Trump.
New Delhi: After an initial period of restraint, BJP leaders have now started criticising President Trump for the 50% trade tariff he has imposed on India, and described it as a 'dead' economy.
During a lecture at the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) in Nagpur on 9 August, Gadkari spoke of the need for India to focus on importing less and exporting more to position itself as a global leader. He said, 'If the rate of our exports increase, then I don't think we will need to go to anyone. Those who are indulging in dadagiri are doing so because they are economically strong, and they have technology. If we have better technology and resources, we will not bully anyone, because our culture teaches us that welfare of the world is most important.' Gadkari advised businessman to import less and export more to become 'Vishwa guru'.
Former vice president Venkiah Naidu said in a statement: 'I don't know why he (Trump) is making such statements. 'Operation Sindoor' has been hailed by one and all for its precision and quick response, targeting the terror camps without affecting civilians or causing any loss to the people, as our intention was not to have a war with Pakistan. We want to retaliate and react to a situation created by them, they have encouraged and are responsible for the killing of 26 innocent pilgrims and tourists. That being the case, the government responded, and people are happy with the response of the government. Trump invited Asim Munir for lunch to the White House. The people of India do not like perpetrators of terrorism being honoured in this manner. Also, some of his utterances are not worthy of an American President.'
Venkiah Naidu, Rajnath Singh, and Gadkari, who have held the highest offices in the country, are not the only ones publicly criticising the American president. The patience of BJP MPs and state leaders appears to be wearing thin, faced as they are with the Congress' taunts about the PM's silence on Trump.
BJP's Rajasthan unit president Madan Rathore, speaking in Jaipur, openly condemned Trump's decision to impose tariffs. He said, 'The American president believes he is the big boss and can impose his authority on India, but we will not bow down. During Vajpayee's era, America used economic sanctions against us, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee did not waver; he conducted the Pokhran nuclear tests. The tariffs will ultimately hurt American citizens more. America relies on Indian medicine, particularly our affordable generic drugs, which will become too expensive due to these taxes. We are also working diplomatically with Russia and China. If America refuses our products, we may face challenges, but India has a vast internal market, and in the long run, it will impact American citizens significantly.'
Sources indicate that Trump's comments labeling the Indian economy as 'dead' necessitated a response, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs to react. It was politically important to convey to the public why India was voicing its opposition to Trump. This is why, following a statement from the Commerce Minister in Parliament, Prime Minister Modi addressed the issue to assure farmers that India will safeguard its interests, especially for the farming community.
In his first public remarks after President Trump escalated tariffs, the PM said the country 'will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk'. He acknowledged that he personally 'may have to pay a very heavy price', but reiterated he is 'ready for it'.
Prime Minister also said, 'The welfare of our farmers stands at the forefront of our priorities. India will steadfastly protect the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk. I understand that I may bear significant consequences for this commitment, yet I am prepared to face them. Today, India stands ready—for the farmers, the fisherfolk, and the livestock rearers of our great nation.'
In the past week, various BJP leaders have been attacking Trump. Referring to Trump's remarks on oil reserves in Pakistan, BJP Lok Sabha MP Nishikant Dubey said, 'What can a beggar country offer India?' Through numerous tweets, he stated, 'Pakistan possesses only 25 percent of the necessary oil and gas reserves for its own needs. According to the US, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Qatar pipeline options are the only viable solutions for Pakistan. What can a beggar country provide India? India prioritises its farmers, small traders, and national security above all else. This is Modi's vision of a stronger India.'
BJP Lok Sabha MP from Gujarat, Hemant Joshi, shared with ThePrint, 'Trump has a tendency to make unilateral statements only to later retract them. In the past, he's made several declarations before backtracking. So, let's wait for the outcome of the trade deal with America. However, knowing our Prime Minister, he will not yield to any pressure from Trump.'
Meanwhile, the Opposition Congress has ridiculed the Prime Minister's self-portrayal as a champion of Indian farmers, saying that this 'claim' rings hollow coming as it does after the 'battering' from Trump.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to X to remind everyone of a moment five years ago when the Prime Minister dismissed the farmers' protests by calling them 'andolanjeevi', and remained silent when over 700 farmers reportedly lost their lives during the protests. Farmers' organisations continue to fight for crucial demands, including a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Prices (MSP) based on the Swaminathan Formula, which includes comprehensive costs of cultivation plus a 50% margin, along with significant debt relief.
One BJP functionary remarked that given the complexities of the trade talks, especially with Trump's stance favouring Pakistan, India must recalibrate its diplomacy. The sudden visit of NSA Ajit Doval to Russia was a strategic move to convey that India would not bow to Trump's influence. Despite the PM's personal efforts to forge a relationship with Trump, the focus remains on prioritising our domestic interests, as India cannot be a passive observer in this scenario, he said.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: Modi's ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution
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