BJP National President JP Nadda criticized the Opposition over the controversy surrounding the deportation of Indians from the U.S., questioning why similar concerns were not raised in previous years. Congress leader P. Chidambaram had earlier questioned whether External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had discussed or protested against the U.S. deportation procedures with Senator Marco Rubio, given the restrictive measures in place.

Responding to this, Nadda took a dig at Chidambaram, saying, "Is he speaking on the budget or on external affairs? He questioned whether the foreign minister had spoken with the U.S. Secretary of State, but why didn’t he ask the same question in 2012 when he was in office? Why not in 2009?" Nadda stressed that deportations are not a new phenomenon but have been happening for years.

"Clarifications have already been provided, but I want to reiterate them today," he said. "Deportations didn’t start in 2009, nor in 2010, 2011, or 2012. But suddenly, in 2025, they wake up and act as if this is happening for the first time. Issues of national interest should not be viewed through a political lens."

He further shared deportation data from the U.S. since 2009, pointing out that deportations are carried out by U.S. immigration authorities under established procedures. He highlighted that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for deportation by aircraft, which includes the use of restraints, has been in place since 2012.

The controversy erupted after a U.S. Air Force plane carrying 104 Indian nationals, who had illegally immigrated to the U.S., landed in Amritsar, Punjab, on February 5. Opposition parties strongly criticized the government, alleging that the deportees were treated in an "inhuman manner," transported on a U.S. military plane, and even handcuffed.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI