Why is WSJ reporter Sabrina Siddiqui being trolled, harassed for questioning PM Modi on minorities?

New Delhi: United States-based journalist Sabrina Siddiqui grabbed international headlines for asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi some tough questions about ‘minorities’ in India and the steps taken by his government for their reform. During a joint press conference with President Joe Biden at the White House on June 22, PM Modi – in a rare event – took questions from reporters for the first time since taking office in 2014.

Why is Sabrina Siddiqui being trolled?

During the rare press briefing, Sabrina Siddiqui took a volley of questions, saying that the rights of Muslims and other minorities in India are under threat and as a result democratic values ​​are under threat. He cited concerns expressed by human rights organisations, which criticized PM Modi’s government for stifling freedom of dissent and the press, as well as discriminating against religious minorities, especially Muslims.

Siddiqui asked PM Modi, “India has long prided itself as the world’s largest democracy, but there are many human rights groups who say your government discriminates against religious minorities and punishes its critics.” Tried to silence him.” Is your government prepared to take steps to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your country and to uphold freedom of expression?”

What was PM Modi’s reaction?

However, the journalist got a quick response from PM Modi, who reminded everyone of the history of Indian democracy, which is rooted in giving importance to human rights and non-discrimination. In his response, PM Modi emphasized that the basic cornerstone of his administration has been the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas”, which is towards inclusive growth and fostering trust among all individuals. Symbolizes a collective effort.

“We are a democracy…India and America both have democracy in their DNA. Democracy is in our soul and we live it and it is written in our constitution…so there is no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or religion. There is no question.” getting up. That is why, India believes in Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas and moves ahead with it. These are our foundational principles, which form the basis of how we operate and how we live our lives in India. PM Modi said, the benefits provided by the government are available to all, whoever is entitled to it, those benefits are available to all.

Since then, Sabrina Siddiqui has been subjected to online trolling, harassment and abuse on Twitter for asking PM Modi questions to shed light on his Pakistan connections and his Muslim faith. Many users on social media even dubbed her the daughter of “Pakistani parents” and accused her of “repeating the claims of Islamists”.

Later, responding to a question about Siddiqui being targeted for his Muslim faith, the White House said it was “unacceptable” that an American journalist should question Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his government’s human rights record. Was being bothered to ask.

To fend off online attacks, Siddiqui also posted a picture of herself with her Indian-born father cheering for the Indian cricket team.

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, specifically focusing on the presidency of Joe Biden and national political affairs for WSJ. As a Muslim American, she has made her mark in Washington, DC as a White House reporter.

She is also a political analyst for CNN. Prior to joining The Wall Street Journal in 2019, Sabrina covered the White House and the 2016 presidential election for the Guardian. He previously covered politics for the Huffington Post and Bloomberg. Prior to joining The Wall Street Journal, Siddiqui made a name for herself reporting on the Obama administration and Congress during her tenure with The Huffington Post. He also worked at Bloomberg as part of the White House team.

family background

Born to Pakistani parents, Siddiqui has a strong connection to his cultural heritage. His father was born in India but raised in Pakistan, while his mother is Pakistani. While his roots are Pakistani, Siddiqui was born in America. Siddiqui is a graduate of Northwestern University and lives in Washington with her husband, Muhammad Ali Syed Jafri, and their adorable daughter named Sophie.