Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday had started his day by a ferocious attack on the Congress after a close aide of Rahul Gandhi made controversial comments on the Indian air strikes in Pakistan. Launching a tirade against Sam Pitroda, who’s believed to be a close confidante of Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Modi had tweeted, “The most trusted advisor and guide of the Congress President has kick-started the Pakistan National Day celebrations on behalf of the Congress, ironically by demeaning India’s armed forces. Shame!”
Modi’s comments accusing the Congress of celebrating Pakistan’s National Day came amidst India officially boycotting the celebration, planned at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. This was expected in light of the hawkish stand taken by the Indian government in the aftermath of the terror attack in Pulwama, where 45 CRPF soldiers were killed by a Jaish suicide bomber.
However, much to Modi’s embarrassment, the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan revealed on Friday night that Modi had sent a letter to him, greeting the people of Pakistan on the occasion of their National Day. Taking to Twitter, Khan thanked Modi and wrote, “Received msg from PM Modi: “I extend my greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan. It is time that ppl of Sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence”.”
Received msg from PM Modi: "I extend my greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan. It is time that ppl of Sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence"
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 22, 2019
In his subsequent tweet, the Pakistani prime minister wrote, “I welcome PM Modi’s message to our people. As we celebrate Pakistan Day I believe it is time to begin a comprehensive dialogue with India to address & resolve all issues, esp the central issue of Kashmir, & forge a new relationship based on peace & prosperity for all our people.”
Received msg from PM Modi: "I extend my greetings & best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan. It is time that ppl of Sub-continent work together for a democratic, peaceful, progressive & prosperous region, in an atmosphere free of terror and violence"
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 22, 2019
Khan’s revelation that Modi had wished him and people of Pakistan on their National Day celebrations elicited strong reactions from Modi’s rivals, who detected a tinge of irony in his action. Congress minister in Punjab, Navjot Singh Sidhu took to Twitter to take a swipe at Modi as he wrote, “When you do it, it’s an awesome job, but when others do, you question their character.”
तुम करो तो न्यारी लीला,
कोई और करें तो कैरेक्टर ढीला| pic.twitter.com/JhyUHJoKIA— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) March 22, 2019
Criticism for Modi wasn’t confined to his political rivals. Soon, Imran Khan became a top trend on Twitter with social media users taking potshots at Modi for his glaring hypocrisy on his relationship with Pakistan.
I don't trust Imran Khan. PM @narendramodi can never do this. Sir, please issue a firm denial. Pakistan is trying to show you as incredibly weak leader in the election year. Such mischief is not acceptable 🙂 ? https://t.co/jQeeq2miwc
— Rifat Jawaid (@RifatJawaid) March 22, 2019
Why did Narendra Modi send such a warm personal message of congratulations to prime minister Imran Khan on Pakistan's national day? It desecrates the memory of the 44 CRPF martyrs of Pulwama! Not to forget the sacrifice of all our other martyrs.
— Mandeep Singh Bajwa (@MandeepBajwa) March 22, 2019
#BoycottPakDay
On one side indian soldiers are guarding the vulnerable frontiers from its foe pakistan and pathetically on the flip side congress is celebrating Pakistan national day, is seditious and detrimental tokenism of pandering for petty votes , highly deplorable.— Rajesh Chaurasiya (@chraj2000) March 22, 2019
Now what if any opposition leader had sent such a greeting? Both the BJP and Media would have declared him/her as an Anti National/Pakistan sympathizer.
While the GOI officials are stopping Indians from attending the Pak National day event- our PM is sending greetings to Pak PM. https://t.co/fVtkm8F6JW
— Sadhavi Khosla?? (@sadhavi) March 22, 2019
Although, some of Modi’s supporters in the media sought to defend the prime minister by stating that his letter greeting Pakistani people was customary, many asked why the Indian officials were seen urging the guests attending the Pakistan’s National Day celebrations at its high commission in Delhi to boycott the event.