New Delhi, February 24
As Russia launched an offensive against Ukraine, Opposition leaders, mostly from the Congress, on Thursday attacked the government for not making arrangements in time to bring 20,000 Indians in Ukraine back and accused it of “turning away its face” on its nationals in this difficult time.
Some of the Congress leaders also demanded that India should take a firm stand and “unequivocally condemn” Russia’s action.
Attacking the government for not acting despite repeated warnings, the Congress asked why it had not made arrangements in time to bring 20,000 Indians in Ukraine back home safely.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said,”turning away its face in every difficult situation…And remaining silent has become a habit of the Modi government. Our 20,000 Indian youth in Ukraine are forced to grapple with fear, apprehension and life-threatening situations.”
“Why were arrangements not made in time to bring them safely? Is this the ‘self-reliant’ mission,” Surjewala tweeted.
In a series of tweets in Hindi, he said,”the Government of India says – Our 20,000 Indians trapped in Ukraine should stay where they are. Because the government is busy fighting elections right now?”.
“Prime Minister ji, instead of taking care of all, you are busy in election rallies… But we Indians are praying for the well being of all of you,” he said and added “this is called…Opportunity in disaster once again? #Ukraine #UkraineConflict.”
Congress MP Vivek Tankha asked that when the US could evacuate its citizens on time, why did India fail to do so despite repeated warnings.
“Very poor strategy planning. With thousands trapped in the conflict zone, we have failed our people. Imagine their & families plight,” he said.
The situation in Ukraine deteriorated after President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine, triggering serious concerns over the possibility of a full-scale military confrontation between the two countries.
Former minister of state for external affairs and Congress leader Tharoor said he is receiving a number of desperate messages from families of students stranded in Ukraine and needing evacuation.
