New Delhi (TIP)- Opposition leaders on Wednesday, February 22,  lashed out at External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for his remarks on China and the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with many of them pointing to his father’s reported comments against the then Gujarat dispensation following the 2002 riots.

The Congress called Jaishankar a “failed” minister and alleged that his remarks on the China issue have “demeaned” the valour of India‘s armed forces. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also alleged that foreign policy has been reduced to photo-ops and a chest-thumping exercise and is being used to secure contracts for a businessman.

The opposition party’s attack came over the minister’s reported remarks urging people to not buy the narrative that somewhere the government is on the defensive or is being accommodative on the China issue. Jaishankar also reportedly hit out at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) over its documentary on Modi and called it “politics by another means”.

Slamming Jaishankar, TMC’s Rajya Sabha MP Jawahar Sircar said, “Strange — that Jaishankar discovered his angst against the Gandhis — after serving them most loyally and taking the best of postings under them? Is it Amnesia or is he just cuddling up to BJP for his unprecedented promotion as Foreign Minister?” In another tweet, Sircar referred to Jaishankar’s “politics by another means” remark, saying the question is whether the facts shown in the documentary are true or false.

“Could thousands of lives be saved if Modi administration was less indulgent,” Sircar said. “S Jaishankar’s father, K Subramanyam said ‘Dharma was killed in Gujarat (2002 Riots). Those who failed to protect innocent citizens are guilty of adharma. Rama…would have used his bow against the ‘Asura’ rulers of Gujarat. Shame on son — serving Asura!” the TMC MP said in another tweet.

Shrinate also spoke of reported ‘Asura’ remarks of Jaishankar’s father K Subrahmanyam. “You may attack anyone, but you must listen to the words of the elderly who have wisdom and experience. You should listen to your father… He may be old but has the wisdom and experience and you should listen to him,” she said.

Source: PTI