Centre will remain mute on Danish Siddique's death, inflation: P. Chidambaram

Former Union Finance Minister slams Bharatiya Janata Party for not commenting on Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddique's death and soaring inflation since both do not fit into their false narrative of “we have security, development and welfare.”

Hyderabad: In a scathing remark against the Bharatiya Janata Party over being mute on the death of Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddique in Kandahar, former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram said Siddique's death and soaring inflation are two subjects which the BJP-NDA will not comment on.

Chidambaram took to Twitter and wrote "Danish Siddique’s tragic death and soaring inflation are two subjects on which the BJP-NDA will not comment. Because both do not fit into their false narrative of “we have security, development and welfare.”

It should be noted that Siddhiqui's photographs of India's battle against Covid-19 and protest against farm laws were lauded across the globe, as per reports. The searing images of Covid patients grappling with lack of oxygen and medical-aid evoked viewers.

Siddique was killed while documenting a clash between Afghan security forces and the Taliban on July 16. The 38-year-old journalist's feature photographs of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar won him the Pulitzer prize in 2018.

Meanwhile, reports said, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla while speaking at the United Nations Security Council, condemned Siddiqui's killing and raised concerns over violence against civilians during armed conflict.

Following the death, tributes poured in from prominent leaders. The United States' Joe Biden administration expressed grief over his death. In a remark on his work, the principal deputy spokesperson at the US Department of State said Siddiqui created striking images that conveyed a wealth of emotion and the human face behind the headlines.

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter and wrote "My condolences to the family and friends of Danish Siddiqui. I appeal to GOI to facilitate bringing his mortal remains back home at the earliest."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, "The demise of Danish Siddiqui is a tragic loss. He was a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist whose photographs were emblematic of the upheavals that our country witnessed in the past few years. My thoughts & prayers are with his family, loved ones and colleagues."

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote, "Deeply saddened by the death of Danish Siddiqui. We have lost a photojournalist par excellence whose work underscored his commitment to humanity. Heartfelt condolences."

"Saddened to learn that Pulitzer Prize Photojournalist Danish Siddiqui is no more. He died in crossfire by the Taliban in the Kandahar region of Afghanistan. He was an outstanding journalist and my thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace," tweeted Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.