Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has sparked political debate by mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence over former US President Donald Trump’s claims about India’s oil imports. Ramesh referred to Modi as ‘Mauni Baba’ or the ‘silent sage’, highlighting the Prime Minister’s lack of response when Trump reiterated that Modi had assured him India would reduce its imports of Russian oil.
Trump’s statements, made publicly in recent remarks, suggested that he had been assured by Modi that India would not continue large-scale oil purchases from Russia. The Congress has used this as an opportunity to question the Modi government’s transparency and foreign policy communication, raising concerns among political observers and the public.
Ramesh’s comment was delivered via a series of tweets, which quickly went viral. In one tweet, he wrote that Modi “suddenly becomes a Mauni Baba” whenever Trump speaks about sensitive issues, including his claims regarding Operation Sindoor and now Russia oil imports. By using this phrase, Ramesh underscored what he perceives as Modi’s evasiveness on critical international matters.
The jibe has quickly become a talking point in political circles and on social media. Analysts suggest that the Congress is strategically leveraging this issue to put pressure on the government and shape public perception ahead of upcoming political events. The use of a humorous yet sharp label like ‘Mauni Baba’ is intended to resonate with both traditional supporters and younger voters active on digital platforms.
Political commentators note that Modi’s silence may be deliberate, reflecting a cautious approach to handling international relations while avoiding public escalation. However, opposition parties argue that the lack of clarity fuels speculation and may undermine India’s global diplomatic image. The debate also raises broader questions about the communication gap between India’s executive branch and the general public on sensitive foreign policy decisions.
The controversy surrounding Modi’s silence and Ramesh’s remarks also shines a light on the evolving nature of political discourse in India. Social media has become a major platform for leaders to voice criticism and engage with citizens, turning even a brief comment or tweet into a nationwide conversation.
As the discussion continues, the Modi government has yet to officially respond to Trump’s statements or Ramesh’s criticism. Observers are watching closely to see whether the Prime Minister will address the issue publicly or maintain his current strategy of measured silence. In the meantime, the ‘Mauni Baba’ label has already entered the political lexicon, symbolizing the tension between public scrutiny and governmental restraint in India’s contemporary political landscape.
