NEW DELHI: In the world, India lacks good relations with only two countries namely, China and Pakistan. India maintains warm relations with almost all the other countries. The credit for the same goes to Narendra Modi, who has completed eight years as Prime Minister. Modi has made more efforts than any of his predecessors to strengthen ties with Gulf nations. The Gulf countries have reciprocated similarly as well. The numerous agreements signed in the energy and economic sectors are an evidence of the same.

While the whole world stood awestruck before the pandemic, the Gulf nations had approached India for assistance. No further proof is required to understand the extent to which relations between India and the Arab world have grown over the years. In 2015, Narendra Modi had become the first Indian Prime Minister to visit UAE in three decades. Modi was also awarded the highest civilian honour in Gulf nations as well.

However, a single statement by BJP national spokesperson Nupur Sharma has shattered this warm relationship created through persistent efforts. Almost all of the Arab countries have conveyed their strong protests to India. Countries such as Qatar have summoned their Indian ambassadors to express their protest. Pakistan has also taken advantage of the situation. Lately, Pakistan-Gulf ties have not been smooth. Pakistan accuses India for its worsening ties with the Arab world. Hence, it is trying to make the most out of the situation. On sensing the threat, the BJP suspended Nupur Sharma, a move which was welcomed by Saudi Arabia.

Who is Nupur Sharma?

Nupur Sharma is a leader who was considered, by even top leaders, to have a bright future beyond being the BJP's national spokesperson. This 37-year-old is a popular lawyer too. Her father is Vinay Sharma and mother is Rupali Sharma.

Nupur Sharma began her political career through ABVP. She first contested as a student council candidate for the post of president in the Delhi University Students' Union. She is a graduate in economics and law. She secured MLM from London School of Economics. She served as a member in the BJP’s National Executive Committee, National Media In-Charge and BJP Youth Wing. In 2015, she contested against Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi assembly polls and lost. However, Nupur’s career graph saw a rapid growth from then onwards. With well-studied subjects, lively demeanor and responsive remarks, Nupur became a regular face of the party in political debates on television channels. Such a remark made by her during a TV debate has led to all these controversies rife in the country. However, the incident has brought in immense pressure on the BJP and the central government.

The incident that made her a leader

While Nupur was studying at the Delhi University, she conducted a faculty seminar on Communalism, Democracy and Fascism. SAR Geelani, an accused in the parliament attack case, was also invited to the seminar. Following which, students led by ABVP came to the seminar venue in protest. Around 100 students stood in the fore. That night, Nupur justified her action by exploding in a TV debate. With this, she became the favourite of leaders and was appointed as the official spokesperson of the BJP Delhi unit under Manoj Tiwari. In 2020, she was appointed national spokesperson of the BJP under the chairmanship of J P Nadda.

Controversial statement

Nupur made the controversial remarks during a discussion on the Gyanvapi incident, on May 28. It was alleged that she mocked Islamic scriptures and made derogatory remarks against the Prophet. Within hours, her statement sparked controversy. Following which, Muslim organizations launched protests and violence erupted in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Around 40 people, including 20 police officers, were injured. A total of 36 people have been arrested in connection with the incident and cases were registered against 1,500 people.

As the statement stoked controversy, Nupur came forward with an explanation. “I have been attending TV debates for the past many days where our Mahadev was being insulted and disrespected continuously. It was mockingly being said that it is not Shivling but a fountain. The Shivling was also being ridiculed by comparing it to roadside signs and poles in Delhi. I could not tolerate this continuous insult and disrespect towards our Mahadev and I said some things in response to it. If my words have caused discomfort or hurt religious feelings of anyone whatsoever, I hereby unconditionally withdraw my statement. It was never my intention to hurt anyone's religious feelings" she wrote on Twitter.

BJP’s action

On realizing the danger, the BJP took a drastic step and suspended Nupur Sharma along with the party’s Delhi media-in charge Naveen Jindal. “The BJP strongly denounces insult of any religious personalities of any religion. The Bharatiya Janata Party is also against any ideology which insults or demeans any sect or religion. The BJP does not promote such people or philosophy. During the thousands of years of the history of India every religion has blossomed and flourished. The Bharatiya Janata Party respects all religions,” the BJP said in a statement.