'Hell hole' remark: Karnataka minister Santosh Lad flashes middle finger, slams Donald Trump for ‘insulting India’

BALLARI: Karnataka minister Santosh Lad stirred a row after showing his middle finger while reacting to US President Donald Trump's recent 'hell hole' remark referring to India and China.

The comment came days after Trump reshared an anti-immigration post targeting India and China.

At a press conference in Sandur on Sunday night, Santosh Lad strongly criticised American President Donald Trump over his repeated comments about India while making an "obscene hand gesture".

Lad said Trump has insulted India several times and accused him of speaking irresponsibly and disrespectfully about the country.

Referring to Trump’s alleged description of India in offensive terms, Lad said such comments triggered anger across the nation.

He stated that Trump’s words were unacceptable and reflected poor judgment. “Why Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other central leaders remained silent on the issue?” he questioned.

Lad said their failure to respond was embarrassing and suggested that the Union govt should clearly state its position.

He said that Union govt and ruling party leaders should defend India’s dignity whenever foreign figures make insulting statements.

He claimed that some people in India became overly submissive toward Trump and were unwilling to oppose him openly. It was surprising that even leaders from smaller countries criticised Trump, while some in India appeared hesitant or fearful.

There was widespread public outrage over Trump’s comments, and many insisted that the central leadership must address the matter directly.