PM Modi's Outreach: "Triple Women Power" of Opposition Engages in Diplomacy and Dialogue

In a notable display of cross-party engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently extended a special welcome to three prominent women opposition Members of Parliament – Supriya Sule, MK Kanimozhi, and Priyanka Chaturvedi – following their participation in all-party delegations focused on global diplomacy. These leaders, often vocal critics of the government, were central figures in India's efforts to highlight its stance on international security and terrorism.

These three women leaders, representing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Shiv Sena (UBT) respectively, are recognized for their assertive presence in parliamentary debates, social media, and public discourse. Despite their strong opposition viewpoints, Prime Minister Modi included them in crucial diplomatic missions to various countries, aimed at presenting India's perspective on counter-terrorism.

Following these international engagements, Prime Minister Modi hosted a dinner for the returning delegates at his residence. This gathering provided an opportunity for the delegation members to share their experiences from their tours, and notably, saw PM Modi engaging in significant interactions with the three women MPs.

Supriya Sule, daughter of veteran Maharashtra leader Sharad Pawar, and MK Kanimozhi, daughter of Karunanidhi and sister of MK Stalin, were entrusted with leading all-party delegations. Priyanka Chaturvedi, from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), was part of a delegation that toured European nations. All are integral members of the 'INDIA Alliance' and are considered key voices within the opposition.

During the dinner, PM Modi reportedly met individually with the women MPs, seeking their feedback on their international visits. Images from the event highlighted the Prime Minister's direct engagement with them.

The interactions were met with positive responses from the opposition leaders. MK Kanimozhi presented a traditional Angavastram to PM Modi, which he respectfully accepted. Supriya Sule presented two books on Yashwantrao Chavan and later expressed her appreciation on social media for the "important responsibility" of articulating India's position on terrorism and national integrity. She considered leading the delegation a "good fortune," a statement that has been interpreted by some as carrying political significance.

Priyanka Chaturvedi described her dinner meeting with PM Modi as "encouraging," noting that the Prime Minister congratulated the delegation members on their successful mission and fostered an open environment for sharing experiences. She reiterated the importance of opposition voices in a democracy as a symbol of its vitality.

Overview of Diplomatic Engagements:

  • Supriya Sule's Delegation: Visited Qatar, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Egypt, where they articulated India's stand on various issues, including highlighting concerns about the global impact of terrorism.
  • MK Kanimozhi's Delegation: Traveled to Russia, Slovenia, Greece, Latvia, and Spain, engaging with political leaders and civil society to convey India's perspectives on international security and counter-terrorism efforts.
  • Priyanka Chaturvedi's Participation: As part of a delegation that included France, Britain, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Denmark, she engaged with foreign ministers, parliamentarians, and other leaders, discussing India's long-standing concerns regarding cross-border terrorism. She emphasized India's resolve in addressing such challenges.