Opposition protest at Modi govt's silence over 'inhumane' deportation

The Modi government is facing intense political heat after over 100 Indian nationals were deported from the United States in an "inhumane" manner, shackled and handcuffed aboard a US military plane.

The Opposition, led by the Congress, launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S. Jaishankar for their deafening silence on the issue.

The Lok Sabha was adjourned until noon on Thursday amid a ruckus as Congress MPs, along with other Opposition leaders, demanded an official statement from the government.

Assam Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi took centre stage, expressing his disappointment with the ministry of external affairs (MEA) and the prime minister for failing to stand up for Indian citizens. "America and India share good relations, but the manner in which they have sent back more than 100 Indian nationals handcuffed with their feet shackled is absolutely inhumane. Why is the MEA silent? Why is the prime minister silent?" Gogoi asked.

United Opposition calls out Modi’s 'submission' to US

In a rare show of unity, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav came together to attack the Modi government. Their joint stance is seen as a significant moment of solidarity within the INDIA bloc, especially since Congress and the Samajwadi Party recently faced off in the Delhi polls.

Later, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi shared an X post about the alleged ordeal of a Sikh youth deported from the US, quoting him as saying, 'For 40 hours, we were handcuffed, our feet tied with chains, and we were not allowed to move an inch from our seats. It was worse than hell': Harvinder Singh. Prime Minister, listen to this man’s pain. Indians deserve Dignity and Humanity, NOT Handcuffs."

Congress MP Manish Tewari also lambasted the government, emphasising that those deported were not criminals but individuals seeking better opportunities. "This is absolutely inhumane and medieval. These are not criminals; they are our citizens looking for a future. Why were they treated like dangerous convicts?" asked Tewari, demanding an official response from the government.

BJP’s submission to Washington under fire

According to many critics, the deportation incident has further exposed the Modi government’s subservient foreign policy, with some accusing it of failing to assert India’s sovereignty. Despite the BJP's chest-thumping nationalism, its silence in the face of the degrading treatment of Indian nationals by the US has laid bare its double standards.

The Opposition has made it clear that it will not allow the government to brush the matter under the carpet. As the chorus of criticism grows, all eyes are now on whether the Modi government will break its silence or continue to bow down before Washington.

Political analysts see this as another instance of the Modi government prioritising its global PR over the dignity of its own people.

"Under Modi, India has become a meek follower rather than an assertive global player. If this had happened under any other government, the BJP would have staged street protests. But now, all they can do is remain silent," a senior observer said. 

For the record, Jaishankar is expected to speak on the issue in the Rajya Sabha today, according to media reports at the time of filing this copy.