Not right to play politics over war: Priyanka Gandhi slams PM Modi
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he accused the opposition party of making "dangerous" remarks that could put Indians living in the Gulf at risk, and said it is not right to play politics over war.
She also asked what plan does the government have to bring Indians stranded in the Gulf out of harm's way.
Her remarks came a day after Modi accused the Congress of making "dangerous" remarks that could put Indians living in the Gulf at risk to gain political advantage.
Asked about the PM's remarks, Priyanka Gandhi told reporters in the Parliament House complex, "Lives are in danger because bombs are raining from above. What is he doing about that? What is the plan for bringing people out of harm's way? It is not right to do politics on these things, on war."
"We are one on this and the whole country is united, but we want a solution to the problems that are arising out of the conflict. That is why we are asking for a discussion in Parliament so that a debate takes place and we can also put forward our suggestions and a solution is found," the Congress general secretary said.
"As this war is continuing, the crises are deepening. Today the gas cylinder has become so expensive that no one is able to buy it. What will happen in future? There will be a shortage of petrol and diesel. So what is the government's plan to deal with that?" she asked.
The government has said in brief but there should be a discussion so that "we can find solutions unitedly", Priyanka Gandhi said.
Addressing a gathering in Kerala on Sunday, Modi had said, "At this time, everyone's attention is on the war going on in West Asia. Our government is continuously working to ensure that its impact on India is minimal."
Highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts, he said, "Since the beginning of the war, I have been in constant touch with the heads of all these countries. All nations are giving priority to the safety of Indians stranded in the conflict zones."
He said Indian embassies are working round the clock to support citizens abroad.
"To ensure that our brothers and sisters there do not face any hardship, Indian embassies are also working day and night. The protection of Indians' interests is the top priority of the BJP-NDA government," he said.
Targeting the Congress in the poll-bound state, from where lakhs of people work in Gulf countries, the prime minister said, "You must also remember the kind of statements the Congress is making on this sensitive issue -- they are dangerous."
"Congress wants the lives of nearly one crore Indians living in Gulf countries to be put at risk, so that it can gain political advantage from it," Modi said.
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EAM Jaishankar meets Jamaican PM, gifts over 10 BHISHM Cubes
Kingston (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and discussed ways to further deepen "political, economic and people-to-people cooperation."
Jaishankar also conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Holness.
"Pleased to call on Prime Minister @AndrewHolnessJM in Kingston. Conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi," Jaishankar posted on X.
"Discussed deepening our political, economic and people-to-people cooperation. Value his commitment towards further strengthening India-Jamaica relations," the post further read.
Also, the external affairs minister handed over 10 BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri) Cubes as a gift to Jamaica.
"Formally handed over 10 BHISHM Cubes as a gift from India to Jamaica, in the presence of PM @AndrewHolnessJM, Health Minister @christufton and FM @kaminajsmith," Jaishankar posted on X.
"The BHISHM Cube mobile hospital system, designed for rapid deployment, will help Jamaica during disasters and emergencies. The gift of these cubes is a statement of friendship, a commitment to disaster preparedness, and an outcome of innovation," the post said.
Jaishankar arrived in Kingston on Saturday evening, marking the first leg of his nine-day tour of Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, aimed at further strengthening India's strategic and cultural ties with the Caribbean nations.
Earlier in the day, he interacted with the Indian diaspora and discussed India's ongoing transformation in infrastructure, human development and technology-driven governance and entrepreneurship with them.
He also highlighted the cricket bond between both countries as India gifted a scoreboard to Jamaica.
A scoreboard was dedicated at Sabina Park in Kingston. It is the home of the Jamaica cricket team and is the only Test cricket ground in the Caribbean island nation.
The minister expressed hope that the new scoreboard would witness many memorable innings, including those symbolising the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Cricket has long been a strong cultural bridge between India and Jamaica, which is part of the West Indies cricket team.
Jamaican players, including Chris Gayle, Courtney Walsh and Michael Holding, have played a major role in shaping the legacy of West Indies cricket in the international arena, contributing to its dominance in earlier decades and its continued global appeal.
