External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar drew the ire of Kannada activists and Congress leaders alike after he deemed an appeal by Siddaramaiah as “politics”.
The twitter spat between the two leaders over members of the Hakki-Pikki tribe stranded in violence-torn Sudan ended with Siddaramaiah schooling Jaishankar on his job as EAM.
It all started with an appeal Siddaramaiah made via a tweet urging the Union government to ensure the safe return of 31 people from Karnataka stranded in Sudan.
It is reported that 31 people from Karnataka belonging to Hakki Pikki tribe, are stranded in Sudan which is troubled by civil war.
I urge @PMOIndia @narendramodi, @HMOIndia, @MEAIndia and @BSBommai to immediately intervene & ensure their safe return.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 18, 2023
Siddaramaiah pointed to how members of the Hakki Pikki tribe were left stranded without food and the Union government was yet to initiate the process of bringing them back.
S Jaishankar was quick to accuse Siddaramaiah, a former chief minister, of “playing politics” and said he was “appalled”.
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. https://t.co/MawnIwStQp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2023
While Jaishankar’s stance was endorsed and reiterated by several other BJP leaders including the likes of MP and BJYM President Tejasvi Surya, the external affairs minister came under severe fire for attributing political motives to an appeal for help.
In fact, several publications in Karnataka highlighted that those stranded in Sudan were from the Hakki Pikki tribe. Siddaramaiah was not the first to highlight the same.
Not the one to take the rude reaction by the Union minister lying down, Siddaramaiah reminded Jaishankar his job as EAM with a tweet dripping sarcasm.
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. https://t.co/B21Lndvxit
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 18, 2023
Leaders of the BJP accused Siddaramaiah of politicking over the incident with the 10 May Karnataka Assembly elections in mind. Several pro-Kannada handles and other twitter users from the southern states called out EAM Jaishankar for his attempt at politicising an appeal.
If @siddaramaiah is looking for tribal votes by specifying the HIKKI BIKKI tribe,i wonder what these newpapers are looking for?Dint they make the situation vulnerable?
When a state oppn leader questions,we should be thankful he is doing his job instead of being silent.#Karnataka pic.twitter.com/FqWq7EAbvM— ಮಲ್ನಾಡ್ ಕೂಸ್ (@malnadkoos) April 19, 2023
The biggest worry of Delhi-centred politics is India’s diversity. They can’t digest that the people of India have their own linguistic identity. which is the root of our people. https://t.co/HQAUWsAELl
— ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ | Prashant S (@JS_Prashant) April 19, 2023
I can’t see any political angle in @siddaramaiah ‘s request. Read that again and again… Why does our #EAM get offended? https://t.co/E2m3pbV4eC
— SKP KARUNA (@skpkaruna) April 19, 2023
Respected sir,
What’s wrong with Siddaramaiah’s tweet, it’s your duty to respond in matured way
You’re EAM of India
Never expected this kind reply from you
Just reminder you’re not a party spokesperson https://t.co/4G2VxSR06D— ಕಲಬುರಗಿ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗ (@glb__kannadiga) April 19, 2023
