‘Relying on Muslim-friendly allies…’: Reactions from Pakistan on PM Modi’s coalition government

PTC News Desk: Beyond India’s boundaries, the Lok Sabha elections’ aftermath has caused significant impact, with Pakistan intently monitoring the developing political scene. Social media platforms were inundated with replies from former Pakistani diplomats and journalists as the results revealed the formation of a coalition administration, providing insight into their viewpoints.

As the opposition coalition India Block, which includes the Congress, secured 234 seats and the BJP-led NDA alliance secured a majority of 293 seats, focus turned to the performance of the ruling BJP under Prime Minister Modi. With 240 seats, the BJP could not muster a single majority, and this lessened power provoked responses on both sides of the border.

Electoral defeat of BJP’s proxies in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, from Srinagar to Kargil, conveyed beyond any doubt how resolved Kashmiris are to continue struggling for their right to self determination. Hats off to them

— Abdul Basit (@abasitpak1) June 5, 2024

Abdul Basit, a former Pakistani diplomat, praised the Indian electorate on social media for rejecting “communal bigotry” and the BJP’s plan for a Hindu Rashtra. In her comments, Basit touched on the subject of Kashmir, viewing the BJP candidates’ electoral setback as evidence of the Kashmiri people’s continuous fight for independence.

An unclear future for Modi’s government was foreseen by Fawad Chaudhary, the former Information Minister of Pakistan, who hinted at the possibility of midterm elections in India if the coalition partners play their cards well. His comments confirmed expectations for the stability of the Indian government.

آئین کی بالادستی اور جمہوریت نے طاقت اور نفرت کو شکست دی ، سبق سیکھنا چاہئیے pic.twitter.com/8Bc4i3v7VA

— Sabir Shakir (@ARYSabirShakir) June 5, 2024

Journalist Sabir Shakir of Pakistan emphasised that democracy and constitutional values triumphed over divisive rhetoric, as reported in Pakistan’s premier newspaper Dawn. The headline celebrated India’s victory over bigotry, portraying Modi’s administration as reliant on allies who are tolerant to Muslims.

Indian Muslims feel alienated by the discriminatory policies and rhetoric of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This attitude was echoed by Omar R. Qureshi, the media advisor to former Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. In spite of the BJP’s efforts to win over Indian Muslims, his retweet highlighted their disapproval of the party.

Indian Muslims are demonised by BJP leaders
Indian Muslims are called terrorists by BJP leaders
Indian Muslims are called infiltrators by BJP leaders
Indian Muslims are told to go to Pakistan by BJP leaders
Indian Muslims are prevented from exercising their right to marriage… pic.twitter.com/uW0n5aVlA6

— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) June 5, 2024

Hamid Mir, a journalist for Geo TV, questioned if political institutions could really guarantee Prime Minister Modi’s preferred election result. His investigation into the implications of India’s election outcomes provoked reflection on the function of institutions in constructing political narratives.

Pakistani observers keenly observed the dynamics of India’s electoral environment from across the border, providing interpretations and analyses that emphasized the role of democracy in forming regional connections and perceptions.

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