Rahul Gandhi’s Jibe Sparks Transatlantic Backlash
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s latest remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi have drawn strong criticism — this time from across the ocean. American gospel singer and cultural ambassador Mary Millben, known for her admiration of India and close association with Indian diaspora causes, hit out at Gandhi on social media for his comments implying that Prime Minister Modi is “afraid” of US President Donald Trump.
Millben, who has performed at major global events including India’s 75th Independence celebrations in Washington D.C., is recognized for her vocal support of India–US relations and for frequently lauding Modi’s leadership. Her sharp rebuttal to Gandhi has reignited political debate around the Congress leader’s rhetoric and its international reception.
The Comment That Sparked the Row
Rahul Gandhi, in a recent post on X, accused PM Modi of bowing to foreign pressure, alleging that Modi had allowed Trump to dictate India’s energy policy on Russian oil imports. “PM Modi is frightened of Trump,” Gandhi wrote, suggesting that India’s foreign decisions were being influenced externally.
The claim came after Trump, while addressing reporters at the White House, stated that Modi had assured him that India would halt oil purchases from Russia. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs swiftly denied any such phone call between the two leaders, calling the statement “factually incorrect.”
Millben’s Stinging Rebuttal
Mary Millben responded swiftly and forcefully. “You are wrong, @RahulGandhi. PM @narendramodi is not afraid of President Trump,” she posted on X. “PM Modi understands the long game and his diplomacy with the U.S. is strategic. Just as President Trump prioritizes America’s interests, PM Modi acts in India’s best interests — that’s what true leaders do.”
Taking a personal swipe, she added, “I don’t expect you to understand this type of leadership because you don’t possess the acumen to be Prime Minister of India. Best to return to your ‘I Hate India’ tour that has an audience of one — you.”
Her statement referred to Gandhi’s ongoing “Vote Adhikar Tour” and earlier Bharat Jodo campaigns, which the BJP has often characterized as self-serving political exercises.
BJP Joins the Chorus
Millben’s criticism found resonance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, which accused Rahul Gandhi of habitually undermining India’s image abroad. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya also weighed in, remarking that if Modi truly feared Trump, the US President “wouldn’t be praising him every few days just to get his attention.”
Malviya further invoked Congress’s historical record, alleging that Gandhi’s comments reflect a legacy of compromising national interests to appease foreign powers. “This is Modi’s India, not Rajiv’s,” Malviya asserted, adding that “India’s interests are never up for barter.”
Mary Millben: Voice of Friendship and Cultural Diplomacy
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Mary Millben is not just a singer but also a bridge-builder in international cultural relations. She has performed for three US Presidents and at major Indian diaspora events, promoting the message of democratic solidarity between India and the United States. Her views often emphasize mutual respect, sovereignty, and cultural unity — principles she believes Prime Minister Modi embodies in his global outreach.
A Clash of Visions
The exchange underscores the widening ideological divide between Rahul Gandhi’s opposition politics and Modi’s assertive diplomacy. While Gandhi frames his critique as a call for transparency, his remarks often invite backlash for allegedly diminishing India’s global standing.
Mary Millben’s intervention — sharp, unapologetic, and widely shared — reflects how India’s political discourse increasingly resonates beyond its borders. Her defense of Modi’s leadership highlights a growing international recognition of India’s strategic autonomy, even as domestic politics continues to test its unity at home.
(With agency inputs)
