New Delhi: In the four days since they broke out, both the BJP and the Congress have kept their distance from the communal clashes in Delhi.
This silence was heard as far away as the US where Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program, was appalled by it.
The silence from the very highest levels of the Indian government as this violence continues to play out in New Delhi-the worst in years-is deafening, but also sadly unsurprising.
At moment like these, calls for calm and unity are essential. But they're nowhere to be heard.— Michael Kugelman (@MichaelKugelman) February 25, 2020
On Wednesday afternoon, things finally changed: PM Narendra Modi tweeted an appeal for peace and harmony.
Peace and harmony are central to our ethos. I appeal to my sisters and brothers of Delhi to maintain peace and brotherhood at all times. It is important that there is calm and normalcy is restored at the earliest.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2020
And Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi held a press conference to express her party’s feelings about the situation in Delhi. But all that senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor can think about is his award.
Thanks. Looking forward to receiving it on Friday https://t.co/avWdm61Gw3
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) February 26, 2020
And then there’s BJP national general secretary B.L. Santhosh, who can give party MLA Kapil Mishra a run for his money, with this disgraceful tweet on Jaffrabad that he later edited.
Jaffrabad Metro protest area totally cleared . Time to enforce law in its entire spirit . Rioters need to be taught a lesson or two of Indian laws . #PlannedDelhiRiots
— B L Santhosh (@blsanthosh) February 25, 2020
Language reveals a man, a mindset—and a method. In the space of 76 minutes @blsanthosh, the RSS ‘pracharak’ who is BJP general secretary, makes a telling deletion and correction, with an IT Cell hashtag that is as much a Freudian slip as an admission of guilt. pic.twitter.com/rzb2c2UJC6
— churumuri (@churumuri) February 25, 2020
Speaking of Kapil Mishra, he continues his dishonourable ways with this tweet.
Another BJP leader and RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha wants Shaheen Bagh protesters well — to “go home”.
शाहीन बाग के लोग आप घर जाइए । देश की तबाही के कारण मत बनिए। ये लिफ्ट लिबरल बहकाने के विशेषज्ञ है। हिन्दू समाज का होना ही पंथनिरपक्षता को सुनिश्चित करता है।
— Prof Rakesh Sinha (@RakeshSinha01) February 25, 2020
Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha calls for a new Twitter hashtag, Find out what!
All opposition parties MUST ENSURE that #ResignAmitShah becomes a reality. I am sure many within the BJP ( not all of them are as rabid as the "three" macho muscular men) will secretly welcome that.
India has been disgraced, destroyed and diminished under their dangerous reign.
— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) February 26, 2020
Looks like Zee News editor-in-chief Sudhir Chaudhary is on a power trip!
The most powerful selfie! It was an honour to share the frame with the two most powerful leaders in the world Prime Minister @narendramodi and President @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/Cb4D4IMOnu
— Sudhir Chaudhary (@sudhirchaudhary) February 26, 2020
And BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya just doesn’t want to step down from the blame game!
Arvind Kejriwal failed Head Constable Rattan Lal. Delhi Police will remember this for a long time. https://t.co/jiPPqMbyPD
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 26, 2020
Former Indian Navy chief Arun Prakash is horrified enough to join the chorus of condemnation.
So busy have we been in entertaining foreign guests that steady descent of national capital into unchecked communal violence, arson & mayhem does not seem to matter. Let’s come to our senses. We are in the 21st century; let’s not regress to 1947 or medieval ages.
— Arun Prakash (@arunp2810) February 26, 2020
While journalist, strategic & security expert Praveen Swami is worried by the sight of NSA Ajit Doval on the streets of Delhi.
The National Security Advisor of India has executive charge of our nuclear weapons, deals with complex geopolitical conflicts—and teach the SHO of Seelampur basic policing. There is no God, alas, so we’re kind of running out of options as a nation…. https://t.co/jMnyqZVe7U
— Praveen Swami (@praveenswami) February 26, 2020
And here’s a little duel. Author Chetan Bhagat put out this tweet with a brief history of India up to the present day.
India 1947: Hindu Muslim Hindu Muslim
Meanwhile world: moon landing, computers, internet, artificial intelligence, cellphones, smartphones, apps.
India 2020: Hindu Muslim Hindu Muslim
— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) February 25, 2020
Actor Anupam Kher didn’t take kindly to it and hit out at the author.
Dear @chetan_bhagat! With this tweet you are not only belittling yourself but millions of Indians. Both Hindus and Muslims!! In the last 72 years India has achieved phenomenal success in almost every field. This tweet is just a smart tweet but far from the truth.:) #NotCool https://t.co/1xTIxD44Vj
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) February 25, 2020
Whereupon, Sameer Nair, Applause Entertainment Ltd CEO, had a sarcastic counter for Kher.
So ‘something’ was achieved in the last 72 years! The recent political narrative would have one believe otherwise. https://t.co/qwnyjrVaPo
— Sameer Nair (@nairsameer) February 26, 2020
Away from the country, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai meeting climate activist Greta Thunberg is creating quite the stir.
She’s the only friend I’d skip school for. pic.twitter.com/uP0vwF2U3K
— Malala (@Malala) February 25, 2020