NEW DELHI: Sabrina Siddiqui, a United States-based reporter made worldwide headlines for posing some robust inquiries to Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning the ‘minorities’ in India and steps taken by his authorities for his or her enchancment. During a joint press convention with President Joe Biden on the White House on June 22, PM Modi – in a uncommon occasion – took questions from journalists for the primary time ever since he assumed workplace in 2014.
Why Is Sabrina Siddiqui Being Trolled?
During the uncommon presser, Sabrina Siddiqui threw a volley of questions suggesting that the rights of Muslims and different minorities are beneath risk in India and consequently the democratic values. She cited worries expressed by human rights organisations that criticised PM Modi’s authorities for cracking down on dissent and press freedom in addition to discriminating in opposition to spiritual minorities, notably Muslims.
“India has long prided itself as the world’s largest democracy, but there are many human rights groups who say that your government has discriminated against religious minorities and sought to silence its critics,” Siddiqui requested PM Modi, including, “What steps are you and your government willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your country and to uphold free speech?”
What Was PM Modi’s Response?
The journalist, nonetheless, acquired a fast response from PM Modi who reminded everybody of the historical past of Indian democracy, which is rooted in valuing human rights and non-discrimination. In his response, PM Modi emphasised that the basic cornerstone of his administration has been the precept of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas,” signifying a collective effort in direction of inclusive progress and fostering belief amongst all people.
“We are a democracy…India & America both have democracy in our DNA. Democracy is in our spirit & we live it and it’s written in our Constitution…So no question of discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed or religion arises. That is why, India believes in sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, sabka prayaas and walks ahead with it. These are our foundation principles, which are the basis of how we operate and how we live our lives in India. The benefits that are provided by the government are accessible to all whoever deserves those benefits is available to everybody,” PM Modi mentioned.
Ever since, Sabrina Siddiqui has been subjected to on-line trolling, harassment and Twitter abuses for questioning PM Modi with many highlighting her Pakistan connection and her Muslim religion. Several customers on social media even labelled her because the daughter of “Pakistani parents” and accused her of “echoing the claims of Islamists.”
Later, responding to a query about Siddiqui being focused for her Muslim religion, the White House mentioned that it was “unacceptable” {that a} US journalist was being harassed for asking a query to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his authorities’s human rights report.
To keep off on-line assaults, Siddiqui even posted a photograph which confirmed her cheering for the Indian cricket workforce alongside together with her India-born father.
Who Is Sabrina Siddiqui?
Sabrina Siddiqui is a senior reporter working for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). She covers the White House, and US Presidents, particularly specializing in protecting the presidency of Joe Biden, and nationwide political affairs for the WSJ. As a Muslim American, she has made a reputation for herself as a White House reporter in Washington, DC.
She can be a CNN political analyst. Prior to becoming a member of the Wall Street Journal in 2019, Sabrina coated the White House and the 2016 presidential election for the Guardian. She beforehand coated politics on the Huffington Post and Bloomberg. Before becoming a member of The Wall Street Journal, Siddiqui made a reputation for herself whereas reporting on the Obama administration and Congress throughout her stint with The Huffington Post. She additionally served as a part of the White House workforce at Bloomberg.
Family Background
Born to Pakistani dad and mom, Siddiqui has robust connections to her cultural heritage. Her father was born in India however raised in Pakistan, whereas her mom is Pakistani. While her roots are Pakistani, Siddiqui was born in America. Siddiqui is a graduate of Northwestern University and resides in Washington together with her husband Muhammad Ali Syed Jafri and their cute daughter named Sofi.