PM Modi Asks Opposition MPs to Read ‘JFK’s Forgotten Crisis’ Amid Border Row Debate

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday advised opposition MPs to read JFK’s Forgotten Crisis, a book by US foreign policy expert Bruce Riedel, during his speech in the Lok Sabha. His suggestion came as a response to criticism over India’s handling of the China border dispute.

PM Modi’s Book Recommendation

During the Motion of Thanks to President Droupadi Murmu’s address, Mr. Modi cited the book while attacking former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He claimed that Nehru’s foreign policy decisions during the 1962 Indo-China war had compromised India’s security.

"If someone truly wants to understand foreign policy, they should read JFK’s Forgotten Crisis. It reveals what games were played in the name of diplomacy," Mr. Modi said.

His remarks came after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused the government of surrendering 4,000 sq km of Indian land to China. On Tuesday, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav also raised questions about the border situation.

Congress Questions Modi’s Statement

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor responded by questioning the relevance of the book to the current debate.

"I read Riedel’s book seven years ago. It says that during the 1962 war, the US secretly helped India. It also mentions that India had requested assistance as the situation worsened. But what does this have to do with today’s discussion?" Mr. Tharoor said.

PM Modi’s Attack on Opposition

Mr. Modi also launched a broad attack on opposition parties, particularly the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

• He criticized Congress for failing to eliminate poverty despite its ‘Garibi Hatao’ (Eliminate Poverty) slogan. "In 10 years, my government has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty," he said.
• He targeted Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of misusing Rs 45 crore of public funds for luxury renovations of his official residence.

Conclusion

The exchange between the BJP and opposition leaders highlights the growing political tension ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. While the opposition continues to question the government’s stance on China, the BJP remains firm in defending its policies.