The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has captured global attention, with humanitarian concerns and political posturing taking centre stage. In India, the debate has also reached Parliament, where DMK MP Tiruchi Siva recently questioned the government’s abstention from a UN resolution aimed at protecting Palestinian civilians.
While the MP’s concerns about international humanitarian issues are valid, the glaring silence of the DMK on the atrocities faced by Hindus in neighboring Bangladesh reveals a troubling hypocrisy.
DMK’s Vocal Support for Palestine
During the winter session of Parliament, Tiruchi Siva raised the issue of India’s abstention from a UN resolution in October 2023 that called for the protection of Palestinian civilians. The resolution, tabled amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, aimed at upholding legal and humanitarian obligations in conflict zones. Siva’s pointed question about India’s stance was accompanied by criticism of the central government’s policies. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded, highlighting India’s significant humanitarian aid to Palestine, including thousands of tons of food and medical supplies sent in 2023.
Deafening Silence on Bangladeshi Hindus
While the DMK has been vocal on international issues, it has remained conspicuously silent on the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus. Since the political upheaval and coup in Bangladesh in August 2024, there have been several reports of targeted violence, persecution, and displacement of Hindus every single day. Temples have been desecrated, homes torched, Hindu families blackmailed, teachers forced to resign, Hindu women forced to wear burkha in public, etc. Despite the gravity of the situation, DMK leaders, who often position themselves as defenders of minority rights, have refrained from addressing these atrocities.
This silence extends to local media channels in Tamil Nadu, many of which are believed to be influenced by the DMK. Allegations of a deliberate blackout of news about Bangladeshi Hindus have raised questions about the party’s commitment to justice and human rights.
Double Standards on Human Rights
The DMK’s selective outrage exposes a troubling double standard. On one hand, it champions the cause of Palestinian civilians, aligning itself with global humanitarian concerns. On the other, it turns a blind eye to the systematic persecution of Hindus in a neighboring country. This inconsistency undermines the party’s credibility and raises suspicions about its political motivations.
The plight of Bangladeshi Hindus is not just a local or regional issue; it is a humanitarian crisis that demands international attention. By ignoring these atrocities, the DMK not only fails its constituents but also diminishes its moral authority to critique the central government’s foreign policy.
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