New Delhi: This week, Urdu newspapers described the assassination of Hamas’s political wing leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran as martyrdom. They also criticised the BJP government over MP Anurag Thakur’s caste jibe, purportedly aimed at Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, in Parliament on 30 July.
In a 27 July editorial, Roznama Rashtriya Sahara, agreeing with the Congress, called the Modi government’s budget a “seat-saving” scheme. The newspaper, in another editorial, said Kamala Harris’ potential victory or loss in the US presidential elections would signal to the world if they should expect an old or a new America.
Other Urdu newspapers shared their opinions on West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar’s request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to include north Bengal in the northeast.
Here’s a wrap-up of the news and editorials in the Urdu press this week.
The ‘martyrdom’ of Ismail Haniyeh
On 2 August, a Siasat editorial said the assassination of Haniyeh had been long-feared and called it a sacrifice in the struggle for Palestinian freedom. Haniyeh had been in Tehran for the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s new president. While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death, the Siasat piece said everyone knows the country is behind it, calling it a “cowardly” act. It said the killing had sent a message, not only to Hamas, but to all Palestinians to end their struggle towards the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
On 2 August, Inquilab’s editorial stated that the void left by Haniyeh in the Palestinian resistance is significant but not unfillable. The editorial asserted that Israel’s increasing oppression will only strengthen Palestinian resistance.
“We believe that the more the Palestinian people are oppressed, the more they will rise, and the day will come when the land of Palestine and its people will be free,” said the Inquilab newspaper.
Anurag Thakur’s caste jibe
On August 1, Siasat’s editorial criticised BJP member Thakur for targeting Gandhi over his caste in the House, noting that, instead of reprimanding him, the party and PM Modi encouraged him.
Despite his controversial remarks being expunged from Lok Sabha records, the PM shared Thakur’s full, unedited speech on social media. This, the editorial argued, showed a disregard for the sanctity, values, and dignity of the House, and showed a desire to target political opponents. The responsibility to maintain the House’s traditions and honour falls on the ruling party and government leaders, yet BJP members have undermined this with their conduct, it said.
“As far as BJP members are concerned, they have destroyed the sanctity of the House through their conduct. They are leaving no stone unturned,” said Siasat.
On 31 July, Siasat’s editorial emphasised that the Parliament is the supreme institution of democracy and deserves utmost respect. It represents the people of the entire country, with members addressing national issues and formulating policies, it said. Discussions between the government and Opposition are essential, with the government tasked with presenting the programmes and the Opposition with providing constructive suggestions. However, the editorial noted, the troubling trend of prioritising politics over parliamentary duties and targeting opponents instead had emerged. It appeared that the BJP was unwilling to accept Gandhi as the LoP, it said.
On 31 July, Inquilab’s editorial noted that if the criticism against Thakur’s comments had been baseless, they would have been addressed by the ruling party. It claimed that Gandhi’s impactful speeches had shaken the party and his critiques, often sharp and thought-provoking, had made him an opposition leader of note.
‘Revenge’ Budget
On 1 August, Sahara’s editorial highlighted Gandhi’s call for a caste census to support backward classes and Dalits, noting that he criticised the Union budget in the Lok Sabha for prioritising a few individuals, and excluding marginalised communities.
On July 27, a Sahara editorial criticised the budget, stating that the allocation of national resources should be non-discriminatory and based on the needs of individual states, not political affiliations. The newspaper argued that such bias would create discontent among opposition-governed states, weaken federalism, and threaten national unity. The editorial accused the Modi government of using the budget to secure political interests, calling it a “seat-saving” and “revenge” budget, which excluded 90 percent of the population and served only the BJP’s interests.
On federalism
On 27 July, Siasat’s editorial highlighted that India’s federal system recognises both, the supremacy of the central government and the importance of states. The Constitution outlines the responsibilities of both, emphasising cooperation, it said. While the Planning Commission was replaced by the NITI Aayog after Narendra Modi’s government came to power, there has been a notable lack of cooperation between the Centre and states with non-BJP governments. This undermined the federal principle of mutual collaboration and respect for the role of states, it said.
On 31 July, a Sahara’s editorial highlighted that while BJP leaders are demanding the division of West Bengal, there are ongoing movements for separate states in the region. Darjeeling is pushing for Gorkhaland, and Cooch Behar is calling for Greater Cooch Behar and Kamata Puri. Despite electing BJP representatives twice for Gorkhaland, the party hasn’t delivered in ten years, it said. The editorial also said the intentions behind BJP leaders raising this demand were unclear.
New vs Old America
On 30 July, a Sahara editorial discussed the potential impact of Joe Biden not running for re-election, and backing Vice President Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate. While Harris, whose nomination has been endorsed by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, could win, her loss would indicate a changing America, a matter of concern for those who view the US as a global leader and a domestic ideal, it said.
The editorial noted that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s statements claiming Harris had previously only identified as Indian, before “turning Black”, already show signs of a changing country. His comments, though condemned, had a significant impact. American voters must decide whether to create a new image for America or maintain the existing one, it said. Trump’s call for Christians to vote highlighted his efforts to mobilise this base, the newspaper also said.
(Edited by Sanya Mathur)
Also read: Urdu press doesn’t want Trump or Biden. Anti-immigrant rhetoric, ‘hypocrisy’ on Gaza
The Urdu press feels a sense of brotherhood with terrorists of all shades. Hence, it’s not surprising that they are upset at Haniyeh’s death.
Quite unfortunately, they don’t have a sense of brotherhood towards other fellow Indians.
Quite understandably, the Urdu press is upset at Haniyeh’s killing. They feel a kinship with Haniyeh and his ilk which they can never feel with other fellow Indians.