India’s ambassador to Ireland slammed for ‘attacking’ opposition, Congress demands removal

India’s opposition Congress party on Tuesday (Apr 16) rebuked India’s ambassador to Ireland Akhilesh Mishra for “attacking” opposition parties and “breaching” service rules. The party has also sought Mishra’s removal from the post for his “disgraceful” behaviour.

The opposition attackcame after Mishra, while responding to an editorial published in the Irish Times, a local media outlet, criticised previous governments and praised the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

‘Controversial’ rejoinder by ambassador Mishra

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The Irish Times in its editorial titled “Modi tightens his grip”, dated April 11, had accused the Modi administration of a “widespread crackdown on free speech and opposition parties”.

“India’s democratic credentials have been severely tarnished,” the editorial read, citing Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest and the partial freezing of Congress’ bank accounts.

It also accused PM Modi of stoking anti-Muslim sentiments by embracing Hindu nationalism.

Mishra’s reply

Indian envoy Akhilesh Mishra wrote a “rejoinder” in response to the editorial and wrote, "PM Modi enjoys unprecedented popularity and profile not only in India but globally because of his impeccable personal character and integrity and thought-leadership on innovative, inclusive governance and sustainable development."

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In his reply, Mishra then targeted previous governments by accusing them of creating a “deeply entrenched ecosystem of corruption.”

"The fight against the deeply entrenched ecosystem of corruption (created by the 55-year-old rule, including the first 30 years, by a single dynastic party in India) is a major factor behind Modi's ever-growing popularity," he wrote.

Congress’strong objection

Now, Congress has accused Mishra of breaching his professional norms by acting as a party apparatchik (someone who works for a government or a political party and always obeys orders).

“Defending the Government of India is one thing and is to be expected. But to attack Opposition parties openly in this manner like a party apparatchik is not expected from an Ambassador even if he be a political appointment,” senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh wrote on X.

“This is unprofessional and disgraceful behaviour on his part-but is par for the Modi course I guess,” he added, saying, “This Ambassador is actually a career diplomat which makes his comments even more shameful, disgraceful and completely unacceptable.”