Hubballi: Minister Santhosh Lad takes dig at PM Modi, questions his ‘Vishwa Guru’ claim
Hubballi: Labour Minister Santhosh Lad launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning the credibility of his claim of being a ‘Vishwa Guru’ (world leader or supreme teacher). Speaking at a public event in the Hubballi-Dharwad West constituency, the minister asked why someone claiming to be a global leader had to go door-to-door seeking votes.
“We find Modi rushing to beg for votes during elections,” Lad said. “He even uses the bravery of our soldiers on the borders to ask for votes. This reflects a complete lack of shame,” he remarked, drawing criticism against what he termed the Prime Minister’s use of national issues for political gain.
Referring to the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Lad said, “Barely three months after terrorists from Pakistan brutally killed innocent people, our government allowed the Indian cricket team to play matches against Pakistan in a championship organized by the ICC, which is headed by the Union Home Minister’s son. The question is whether we really needed to play those matches.”
He alleged that the Central government maintains double standards in its dealings with Pakistan and accused it of “enjoying friendly ties” despite repeated attacks. “They do all this because they don’t consider themselves answerable to anyone,” he said.
The minister also accused the BJP of dividing the nation along communal lines. “The BJP and leaders like Modi and Amit Shah campaign only on the basis of religion to gain votes. The youth of India must recognize this divisive strategy,” he added.
Urging young voters to engage critically with leaders, Lad said, “When Minister Pralhad Joshi mocks Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in press meets, question him about the loans of our country. In 1947, India’s loan was ₹55 lakh crore; today, it has risen to over ₹200 lakh crore. In 2014, one US dollar was worth ₹54 today it’s ₹90. Ask him these questions, but don’t expect the BJP to answer honestly.”
Lad concluded his speech by urging citizens to hold leaders accountable for the nation’s economic and social condition rather than being swayed by religious and emotional appeals during elections.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
