Appalling Response To Genuine Appeal: Congress Hits Back At Jaishankar Over Sudan Tweet

Siddaramaiah asked Jaishankar to “immediately intervene” and “ensure safe return” of Indians stranded in Sudan which is witnessing deadly fighting between the country's army and a paramilitary group

Congress on Wednesday hit back at External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s response to former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accusing him of politicising the issue of Indians stranded in Sudan, saying  it was an "appalling response" to a "genuine appeal" for assistance.

On Tuesday, Siddaramaiah asked Jaishankar to “immediately intervene” and “ensure safe return” of Indians stranded in Sudan which has been witnessing deadly fighting between the country's army and a paramilitary group for the last five days that resulted in the death of 100 people. 

“It is reported that 31 people from Karnataka belonging to the Hakki Pikki tribe, are stranded in Sudan which is troubled by civil war,” the former CM tweeted and urged their safe return. 

Responding to Siddaramaiah’s tweet, Jaishankar on Tuesday came down hard on him and tweeted, "Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don't do politics".

"Since the fighting started on April 14th, the Embassy of India in Khartoum has been continuously in touch with most Indian Nationals and PIOs in Sudan," Jaishankar tweeted.

"Their details and locations cannot be made public for security reasons. Their movement is constrained by fierce fighting that is ongoing," he added

Jaishankar said plans regarding them have to take into account a "very complicated" security scenario and that the Indian embassy in Sudan is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs over the situation in that country.

"It is grossly irresponsible of you to politicise their situation. No electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad," he said.

Tagging Jaishankar’s tweet, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "A most appalling response from the External Affairs minister to a former CM with a genuine appeal. This level of nastiness from a man I have known so very well… who has developed new loyalties and who wants to show that in whatever he says and does." Ramesh added that he will not say anything on Jaishankar's past.

Siddaramaiah also took a jibe saying, “"Since you are the External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar I have appealed you for help. If you are busy getting appalled please point us to the person who can help us bring our people back."