Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of making irresponsible statements on the ongoing West Asia tensions that could jeopardise the safety and livelihoods of Indians working in the region. Addressing a mammoth NDA rally at Tiruvalla in Kerala, the Prime Minister said national interest must take precedence over political rhetoric.
Alleging that the Congress was attempting to politicise a sensitive issue, PM Modi said such remarks could strain India’s deep-rooted ties with Gulf countries. “Elections will come and go, but the need of the hour is to ensure the security of our people,” he said, adding that the opposition appeared more focused on targeting him than addressing the concerns of Indian workers abroad.
The Prime Minister stressed that India shares strong and strategic relations with West Asian nations and cautioned that careless statements could have unintended consequences. He said he had repeatedly urged opposition leaders to act responsibly, especially during times of geopolitical uncertainty.
Striking an emotional chord, PM Modi acknowledged Kerala’s deep dependence on overseas employment, noting that lakhs of youths from the state work abroad and their remittances form a vital part of the economy. The Prime Minister said he understood the anxiety among families back home amid the unrest.
“I am in constant touch with the leadership in West Asia, and we are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our people there,” PM Modi said, offering reassurance to those worried about their relatives. Reiterating the Centre’s commitment, he said all necessary diplomatic and administrative measures were being taken to safeguard Indians in the region.
With Kerala’s economy closely linked to Gulf remittances, PM Modi’s remarks sought to project the Centre as proactive and responsive, while placing the Congress on the defensive over its stance. There are around 2.5 million Keralaites in various Middle-East countries.