The political war of words between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensified on Friday after Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh dismissed the BJP's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had achieved a "breakthrough" in securing uranium supplies for India. Ramesh accused BJP supporters of spreading misinformation and said those making such claims should "do their homework" before commenting on the country's nuclear agreements.
In a post on social media, Ramesh argued that India's uranium cooperation with several countries, including Australia, Kazakhstan, Canada and others, had been initiated or strengthened through agreements signed well before the BJP came to power in 2014. He maintained that India's civilian nuclear programme had expanded because of long-standing diplomatic efforts and not due to any recent breakthrough.
The Congress leader also referred to the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement negotiated during the UPA government, calling it a landmark step that helped end India's nuclear isolation and paved the way for international uranium imports. According to Ramesh, subsequent governments benefited from the diplomatic framework established during that period.
His remarks came in response to BJP leaders and supporters who credited Prime Minister Modi for strengthening India's access to uranium through recent diplomatic engagements. The BJP has maintained that the Modi government has successfully expanded India's strategic partnerships and ensured a stable supply of fuel for the country's growing nuclear energy sector.
Ramesh, however, rejected those claims, saying the BJP was attempting to rewrite history for political gain. He urged critics to verify the timeline of international agreements before making statements on the issue, adding that facts should take precedence over political narratives. His comments quickly sparked fresh debate on social media, with leaders from both parties defending their respective positions.
The exchange highlights the continuing political contest between the Congress and the BJP over the legacy of India's foreign policy and nuclear diplomacy. While both parties agree on the importance of securing uranium for India's energy security, they remain sharply divided over which government deserves credit for the country's international nuclear partnerships.
