Protests erupted across Lucknow by Shia Muslims mourning Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly killed in a coordinated US-Israel assault. UP Government Minister OP Rajbhar commented on the fervor, observing that admirers everywhere are channeling fury into street actions.
Fueling the debate, Congress alleged PM Modi’s Israel visit gave him foreknowledge of the Iran strike. They decried the elimination of a major Muslim voice as morally wrong, slamming US overreach and Modi’s muted response amid India’s self-proclaimed world guru status.
In rebuttal, Rajbhar invoked Modi’s global addresses, where he positions himself as a messenger from Buddha’s homeland promoting peace, economic ties, mutual progress, and conflict avoidance for collective harmony.
Rajbhar lauded Modi’s outreach to Israel’s leader on Sunday, emphasizing zero tolerance for innocent casualties and the imperative to protect non-combatants. He framed this as exemplary leadership balancing justice with humanity.
Maharashtra’s Nitesh Rane stirred the pot further, asserting India’s Hindu nation identity and sequential priorities. He ridiculed calls for police withdrawal, vowing decisive intervention. Rajbhar condemned Rane’s outburst as pointless and provocative, arguing it sows discord and rumors sans solutions.
As Lucknow remains on edge, Rajbhar’s poised remarks highlight the need for rationality over reactionary rhetoric in addressing international tragedies’ domestic ripples.