Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recommended Bruce Riedel's book 'JFK's Forgotten Crisis' to Lok Sabha MPs, linking its content to former PM Nehru's foreign policy decisions amidst criticisms of his government. The book reveals Nehru's interactions during the Kennedy administration, sparking debates on social media regarding the implications for current political figures.Key Takeaways
- PM Modi highlights the significance of Riedel's book.
- The book examines Nehru's foreign policy strategies.
- Social media reactions emphasize Nehru's legacy.
- The book recounts notable events involving Nehru and JFK.
- Political analysts draw parallels between Nehru and current leaders.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday recommended a book for Lok Sabha MPs to read, adding an unexpected title to their reading list - 'JFK's Forgotten Crisis' by US foreign policy expert Bruce Riedel.
The book explores political and diplomatic crises during John F. Kennedy’s presidency. This recommendation came as PM Modi criticized those doubting his government's management of the China border issue.
His comments followed inquiries from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav during discussions on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address in Lok Sabha.
In response to the debate, PM Modi took the chance to indirectly critique former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, a common target of BJP criticism. He asserted that the book unveiled the “games” Nehru engaged in regarding India’s foreign policy and security during his administration.
Addressing Nehru's dual role as Prime Minister and head of Foreign Affairs, PM Modi stated: “If someone is truly interested in foreign policy... they ought to read JFK's Forgotten Crisis.”
He noted that the book references Nehru and his exchanges with then-President Kennedy during a crisis, illuminating the foreign policy strategies employed by Nehru.
The PM's mention of the book ignited discussions on social media and among foreign policy analysts.
Observers began to scrutinize the book's content, with some highlighting the instances involving Nehru.
One analyst on X connected Nehru's foreign policy approach to a mindset allegedly shared by Rahul Gandhi, stating: “The details about Nehru, and how he leveraged his position, reflect the same mindset that Rahul Gandhi has inherited. It’s no surprise that Rahul Gandhi articulates similar sentiments as third-grade trolls, even on foreign policy.”
Many excerpts from Riedel's work circulated online, including one that illustrated a tense moment during the Kennedy administration.
It details how Nehru insisted that Jacqueline Kennedy stay in a guest suite at the Prime Minister's residence, despite the embassy's arrangements for a separate villa.
The suite, often used by Edwina Mountbatten, the spouse of the last British viceroy of India, held personal significance for Nehru.
Some passages from Riedel’s book shared on X read: “The embassy had rented a villa for Mrs. Kennedy to stay in, but Nehru insisted after she arrived that she stay in a guest suite at the prime minister’s residence. It was the suite often used by Edwina Mountbatten, the wife of India’s last viceroy Lord Mountbatten, who presided over the partition. A frequent visitor to India after independence, Edwina and Nehru were at least close friends, if not more. Jackie (Jacqueline Kennedy) was receiving Nehru's full attention.”
The book also notes Nehru's apparent greater interest in Jackie Kennedy compared to President Kennedy, with JFK himself remarking that it was the “worst state visit” of his presidency.
Another excerpt highlights Nehru’s alleged interest in Pat Kennedy, JFK's younger sister, over the two men.
