Once again, the Left-liberal bloc and self-proclaimed rationalists stand exposed—not for what they say, but for what they omit. The latest example: is their silence over U.S. President Joe Biden’s December 2 pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. This decision spares Hunter from potential prison time for federal gun and tax convictions, blatantly breaking Biden’s earlier pledge not to use presidential powers to protect family members. Yet, the outrage machine of the Left remains conspicuously idle. Why?
Compare this to their swift condemnation of Indian businessman Gautam Adani when allegations of graft surfaced. Back then, the Left and sections of the Opposition vocally demanded accountability. But when Biden, the leader of the so-called free world, undermines his own ethical commitments, they fall silent. This selective outrage warrants scrutiny.
Take the case of Warren Anderson, the former Union Carbide chairman, linked to the Bhopal gas tragedy. Arrested in India but released the same day under alleged U.S. pressure, Anderson never faced justice. Years later, Union Carbide’s Indian staff received lenient sentences, while Dow Chemical, which acquired Union Carbide, escaped accountability until 2023, when the U.S. Department of Justice finally acted. Yet, no sustained campaign emerged from the Left-liberal camp to seek justice. Why?
Contrast this with their relentless targeting of Indian industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. These men aren’t just business tycoons; they’re architects of India’s economic rise. Ambani’s Reliance Industries revolutionized digital access, while Adani’s infrastructure projects fuel national growth. Together, they contribute billions to the economy and create millions of jobs. Despite this, they face continuous attacks from the Opposition and Left-leaning critics. The motive seems clear: destabilize India’s economy and tarnish its drivers. This benefits external forces keen to keep India underdeveloped.
If the Opposition and Left-liberals want credibility, they must confront their double standards. Silence over Biden’s power misuse while vilifying Indian industrialists reveals not just bias but a dangerous agenda.
Their silence extends to another serious issue: the persecution of minority Hindus in Bangladesh. Despite nationwide protests and interventions from lawmakers in the UK and even demonstrations outside the White House, Indian Opposition parties remain quiet. The Modi government’s warnings to Bangladesh’s Mohammed Yunus, an advisor linked to the outgoing Biden administration, seem ineffective. The attacks on ISKCON’s chief legal team are particularly condemnable.
Instead of obstructing the ongoing winter session of Parliament, the Opposition could have initiated a debate on the Bangladesh situation. Passing a strong resolution would have bolstered the confidence of minority Hindus and demonstrated India’s commitment to justice. Unfortunately, many in the Opposition remain fixated on “Modi-phobia.” Constructive engagement, not selective outrage, is what India needs.
Notably, Mamata Banerjee’s TMC stands as an exception. It has raised the issue in Parliament and pledged support to the Modi government in efforts to ensure the release of Chinmaya Krishna Prabhu and stop the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Consistency, accountability, and genuine concern for justice—not political expediency—must drive public discourse. Selective outrage serves no one.
