Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Saturday, launched a veiled critique of the Congress party, specifically targeting leaders Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera for spreading what he termed “reckless propaganda” regarding India’s position on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its relationship with Pakistan. Sarma emphasized the need to clarify misinformation surrounding India’s stance on the recent IMF bailout to Pakistan. He said, “Contrary to Congress’s claims, there is no voting mechanism for a ‘no’ at the IMF; disagreement is shown through abstention, which India rightly exercised. The IMF operates on a weighted voting system, not a one-country-one-vote basis like the UN General Assembly. India’s decision to abstain was a calculated strategy within this framework.”
The Chief Minister further asserted that India’s message was clear: by choosing to abstain, India rejected the idea of providing financial support to a nation that continues to propagate terrorism. He characterized this action as a wise diplomatic gesture, indicating that while India does not endorse Pakistan’s actions, it also aims to maintain global economic stability without reckless disruptions. Sarma then expressed his disappointment over Congress politicizing India’s foreign policy, suggesting that their narrative not only distorts facts but also presents India as weaker than it truly is. “Under Prime Minister Modi, India has demonstrated strength against terror, whether through military actions like Uri and Balakot or through calculated diplomatic choices. Our abstention at the IMF reflects this strategic approach rooted in national interest,” he added.
In response, Pawan Khera challenged Sarma’s statements by sharing a screenshot of the IMF executive board’s decisions. He remarked, “Mr. Chief Minister, please review this document and check how many times there have been votes against IMF aid. For instance, Russia voted against the IMF aid tranche to Ukraine on September 12, 2016, and India voted against the expulsion of Zimbabwe on September 11, 2005.” Khera’s remarks suggest that the context of voting within the IMF is complex and warrants deeper scrutiny.
As the political discourse intensifies, both parties continue to navigate the intricacies of international diplomacy and national interests, with public perception hanging in the balance amidst these assertions and counter-assertions.
NATIONAL, News Alert
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/05/10/assam-cm-slams-congress-for-reckless-propaganda-on-imf-loan-to-pakistan/
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Publish Date: 2025-05-10 17:26:00
