Buffeted by Trump and vote-rigging charges, India's Modi starts to push back
The ceasefire sparked controversy at home and abroad. Modi's government has repeatedly denied Trump's claims that he leveraged trade negotiations to broker the truce. Trump has since notably strengthened ties with Pakistan, which publicly thanked him for his role in ending the conflict, further complicating India's diplomatic narrative.
At home, the main opposition Congress party has presented what it says is proof of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Election Commission 'rigging and stealing' the 2024 general election by adding fake people to voter lists.
'There is a huge criminal fraud being perpetrated on this country by the Election Commission and the party in power,' Congress leader Rahul Gandhi told a press conference on Thursday.
The BJP dismissed the allegations as Congress' frustration at repeated electoral losses: 'When Gandhi can't cheat his way to power he calls it a conspiracy,' it said on X.
The Election Commission asked Gandhi to 'stop arriving at absurd conclusions and misleading the citizens of India'. As Modi approaches his 75th birthday next month, his age has also become a topic of discussion, as other BJP leaders were sidelined after they passed the milestone. The BJP, however, maintains there is no formal retirement age for its leaders.
Analysts said Modi faces an onerous task.
'Modi's brand value is now diminishing fast, he needs to reinvent himself,' said Rasheed Kidwai, visiting fellow at the Observer Research Foundation think-tank in New Delhi.
'The sheen will come off particularly if he loses the Bihar election. Because in India elections determine everything.'
Reuters
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South Africa High Commissioner to India Professor Anil Sooklal, India-South Africa Friendship Association Chairperson Nathmal Nevatia, India-South Africa Friendship Association Secretary Kunj Behari Singhania, and Deputy South Africa High Commissioner to India Cedrick Crowley. Image: Supplied In a significant move to bolster South Africa's diplomatic and cultural footprint in India, the Kolkata chapter of the India-South Africa Friendship Association has been launched. This initiative is aimed at fostering closer ties between the two nations and promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange. While South Africa has its embassy in New Delhi and a consulate in Mumbai, the Kolkata chapter aims to extend this reach into other strategic states. South Africa High Commissioner to India, Professor Anil Sooklal, said to help promote South Africa in other major states, they thought of launching the India-South Africa Friendship Association. Video Player is loading. 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Next Stay Close ✕ He said the state of West Bengal, of which Kolkata is a capital is an important growth engine for India. 'We decided that we speak to individuals that are keen to strengthen relations and many have approached the embassy to have some kind of association and some of them proposed the idea of creating a friendship association,' Sooklal said. Earlier this year, Sooklal attended a conference at the University of Kolkata. During the event, various individuals, community leaders, and business leaders expressed their interest in forming a friendship association to foster stronger relations between the two nations. He said they worked together and formed an interim committee. He and his deputy, Cedrick Crowley, went to Kolkata last week and met the committee, followed by a formal committee launch. He said they have a chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and about six other committee members. A launch ceremony was held, attended by approximately 40 guests, including diplomats, consuls general, honorary consuls general from various countries, and business leaders. 'They're very enthusiastic in working with us in promoting trade and investment between our countries, and especially between the state of West Bengal, where they are based,' Sooklal said. 'The idea is to create about three or four of these friendship associations in strategic states in India, where we don't have a physical presence as an embassy or consulate. So this was the first of the Friendship Association, the Kolkata chapter. 'They will also now have their regular meetings, and the mission will help guide them. We are not on the committee. It's an individual, private sector-driven initiative. So we will guide them and work with them, and they will assist us in promoting South Africa in the state of West Bengal, in Kolkata. So it becomes an important entity in helping strengthen relations, not just commercial, but cultural, educational, and people-to-people interaction as well.' Sooklal said they are well-constituted and enthusiastic about taking forward the work. He said they have indicated that next year, they will arrange Freedom Day celebrations in April in Kolkata and also celebrate International Mandela Day. They also wish to establish an eye clinic in rural areas through the India-South Africa Friendship Association for social work. 'I think it's something that we as the High Commission welcome, because there's a great deal of enthusiasm,' Sooklal said. During his first international visit outside of Africa, former president Nelson Mandela travelled to India. He received a tremendous welcome in Kolkata, where a packed Eden Gardens cricket ground greeted him as he thanked the Indian people. This connection highlights the strong bond between India and South Africa.
