The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sharply criticised Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, labeling him the “joker of Indian politics” following his comments regarding a social media post by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, seemingly referencing the West Bengal elections, asking why India wouldn’t want to continue buying Russian oil and instead seek it from the United States.
Raut had suggested Trump’s post indicated the former President was acting as a spokesperson for India, implying a potential deal brokered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP vehemently denied any such arrangement, dismissing Raut’s claims as baseless and motivated by political opportunism.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Raut of spreading misinformation and attempting to create a controversy where none existed. He stated Trump’s post was a general observation about global energy markets and not a specific offer to India. Poonawalla further criticised Raut for consistently making provocative statements and attempting to undermine India’s foreign policy.
The BJP also highlighted Raut’s past statements and alleged history of making unsubstantiated claims. They accused him of being a habitual offender in spreading false narratives to serve his party’s political interests.
The controversy arose amidst ongoing political tensions in West Bengal, with elections scheduled to take place. The BJP is actively campaigning to increase its presence in the state, currently ruled by the Trinamool Congress. The party believes Raut’s comments were an attempt to deflect attention from the political realities in West Bengal and create a diversionary tactic.
The BJP’s response underscores the sensitivity surrounding India’s energy security and its relationship with Russia, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. They maintain that India’s energy policy is based on its own national interests and is not dictated by external pressures.
