Kerala Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan’s recent comments at a pro-Palestine rally in Kasargod have ignited a political firestorm. The leader’s call for the shooting of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘without trial’ draws sharp criticism from various quarters.
In a speech addressing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Unnithan reportedly endorsed the “Nuremberg model” against Netanyahu, accusing him of war crimes against Palestinians. The controversial statement has triggered reactions from political leaders and the public alike.
At the Kasaragod United Muslim Jamaath-organized rally, Unnithan stated, “Today, Benjamin Netanyahu is standing before the world as a war criminal. It’s high time that Netanyahu was shot and killed without a trial because of the atrocities that his forces are committing on Palestinians.”* His invocation of the Nuremberg model, historically associated with the trial of Nazis for war crimes, has raised eyebrows.
Reacting to Unnithan’s remarks, Union Minister V Muraleedharan expressed concern over the impact of such statements on India’s international image. He emphasized the responsibility that comes with being a Member of Parliament and criticized the lack of clarity on the Congress Party’s stance regarding Unnithan’s comments.
Kerala BJP President K Surendran took to social media to condemn Unnithan’s statement, expressing disbelief at the direction the Congress Party is heading. He highlighted the gravity of the MP’s call for violence against a world leader and questioned the party’s position on such remarks.
In contrast to Unnithan’s remarks, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had earlier released an official statement condemning Israeli operations in Gaza. The statement urged the central government to intervene for an immediate ceasefire.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent address, condemned civilian deaths in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He underscored India’s commitment to exercising restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy while providing humanitarian aid to Palestine.
