Ceasefire was Trump's proposal, not Modi's: Minister Santosh Lad questions government's intent

Bengaluru

Labour Minister Santosh Lad has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks regarding the ceasefire with Pakistan, stating that the ceasefire was initiated at the behest of then U.S. President Donald Trump, not due to Pakistan’s retreat, as claimed by Modi.

Speaking at a press conference, Lad said, “Prime Minister Modi claimed in his speech that the ceasefire was agreed upon because Pakistan backed down. However, it was President Trump who first proposed the ceasefire. We came to know about it through the U.S. president.”

He further questioned the intent behind the ceasefire, asking whether it was ended just for trade benefits as per Trump’s suggestion. “The BJP is carrying out a Tiranga Yatra. Instead, they should conduct a Trump Yatra,” Lad remarked sarcastically.

He criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the decision, asking, “On what grounds was the ceasefire declared between India and Pakistan? The Prime Minister behaves as if he is the Supreme Authority.” He pointed out that even after the ceasefire, Pakistan allegedly continued its attacks, while the public expected a strong military retaliation.

“There was strong public sentiment in favor of a counterattack against Pakistan. Yet the ceasefire was declared without proper explanation. Is every decision solely yours?” Lad questioned, addressing the Prime Minister directly.

He added, “No one in this country is final or supreme. Leaders come and go. The nation is ultimate, not any one individual.”

In a sharp jibe, he commented, “They’re showing a lake to claim that water is not going to Pakistan — this is nothing but mockery.” He emphasized that the armed forces have successfully protected the country over the past 20 days, but people still have unanswered questions.