Former Pakistani minister Fawad Chaudhry has openly called for “defeating PM Modi” ahead of the final phase of India’s Lok Sabha elections scheduled for June 1, 2024. Chaudhry had previously praised Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal but his latest comments have further raised political tensions. He said on Tuesday that all Pakistanis want Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be defeated. In an interview with news agency IANS, Chaudhry said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to be defeated in these elections. If extremism is defeated in both India and Pakistan, the two countries can come closer together.”
“There is no hatred towards India in Pakistan. But the BJP-RSS ideology is spreading hatred towards Pakistan. Indian voters are not fools. Hindustan should move forward as a progressive country,” he added.
Extending his support to the opposition leader, Choudhary said, “I wish best of luck to whoever defeats Modi, be it Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal or Mamata Banerjee.”
Earlier, when Chaudhry had supported Kejriwal, the Delhi Chief Minister had responded harshly and advised Chaudhry to focus on his country’s issues. “Mr Chaudhry, I and my people are more than capable of dealing with the issues. Your tweets are not necessary. The situation in Pakistan is very bad at present. You should take care of your country,” Kejriwal wrote.
Chaudhry made it clear that he has no personal attachment to Rahul Gandhi or Arvind Kejriwal and that his views do not represent those of the Pakistan government. He said, “…But I support anyone who is against extremism. Modi has become a symbol of hatred and extremism. Indian Muslims are facing extreme hatred due to the rise of the Hindu Mahasabha. Pakistan’s founders promised to defend the rights of Muslims in India. It is unfortunate that the Pakistan government is not up to the task, but as a voice for Muslim rights in India, the forces of hatred must be defeated. The RSS+BJP nexus of hatred and extremism must be defeated. Whoever defeats them will be respected by the world…” Fawad posted amid the controversy.
