External Affairs Minister reassures India did not make any request to US for resolving Kashmir issue with Pakistan; Oppn demands PM’s reply
Despite the US State department trying to control the damage by backpedalling President Donald Trump’s mediation offer on Kashmir after India’s strong denial, the issue led to a furore in Parliament on Tuesday with Opposition parties forcing adjournments and even boycotting the proceedings.
In a joint press conference with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Trump had ventured to claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir dispute.
The Opposition parties got up in arms as soon as Parliament started the proceedings, demanding PM Modi to himself come and clarify. In Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress CLP leader claimed, “India has bowed before the US” that was met with strong rebuttal by treasury benches.
The Congress and Trinamool Congress continued to disrupt the House and even when parliamentary affairs offered a clarification by Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar. Congress’ Manish Tiwari and TMC’s Saugata Roy demanded PM Modi to come to the House and clarify.
Jaishankar categorically denied President Trump’s claims. In a statement, he said, “I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request had been made by the Prime Minister to the US President.”
“I would also reiterate that it has been India’s consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. I would further underline that any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism. Sir, let me conclude by emphasizing that the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan bilaterally. I hope, in view of my very specific and categorical responses, there is no confusion in the mind of anybody on this issue,” said Jaishankar.
However, despite its stance in Parliament, the Congress appeared to be having divergent views on the issue as their seasoned leader from Kerala, former diplomat Shashi Tharoor put the blame solely on the US President Trump for the fiasco.
In what goes against the tweet to his leader Rahul Gandhi, Tharoor said, “I am sure PM Modi will never ask President Trump for any kind of mediation on Kashmir. He understands the issue well enough.”
President Trump says PM Modi asked him to mediate between India & Pakistan on Kashmir! If true, PM Modi has betrayed India’s interests & 1972 Shimla Agreement. A weak Foreign Ministry denial won’t do. PM must tell the nation what transpired in the meeting between him & @POTUS,” tweeted Gandhi.
The Rajya Sabha witnessed frequent disruptions on the issue by the opposition parties who were not ready for anything less than a clarification by PM Modi. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma and Trinamool Congress insisted PM Modi to inform the House what he told President Trump.
‘IT’S A SERIOUS MATTER’
- Amid the ruckus in the Lok Sabha, Speaker Om Birla said it was a serious issue and there should not be any politics over it. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said Opposition members were trying to belittle the image of the country.
POTUS’ statement on Kashmir underscores the biggest problem in the US system today. If he makes such a statement then there is something wrong
―Ram Madhav, BJP leader
Along with all opposition parties, we, TMC, have a simple demand. The PM has to come, make a statement and clear the air
―Derek O’Brien, Trinamool Congress MP
Cute pictures. While the opposition parties yell themselves hoarse demanding the PM explain last night’s mediation brouhaha
―Omar Abdullah, leader of NC
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