PM Modi portrayed as a snake charmer and called “a cunning man”

Norway’s largest newspaper ‘Aftenposten’ published an insulting caricature

Oslo (Norway) — Norway’s largest newspaper Aftenposten has published a racist caricature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the cartoon, the Prime Minister was depicted as a snake charmer charming a petrol pump hose designed to resemble a snake. Alongside the caricature, the newspaper also published an opinion article titled “A cunning and somewhat troublesome man.” The newspaper is facing severe criticism from all sections of society. It has been accused of promoting the Western world’s distorted view of India. The controversy arose shortly after the Prime Minister completed his visit to Norway.

Former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal strongly criticises the newspaper

Kanwal Sibal reacted by saying, “This caricature from a self-satisfied country with a population of 56 lakhs is extremely disturbing. This country has neither historical nor civilisational depth, nor experience in handling a complex and diverse society, nor an understanding of the challenges faced by a nation of 140 crore people. In the context of India, it relies on the insulting and stereotypical ‘snake charmer’ image, which reflects racism. India does not need Norway’s oil. There are many larger oil-rich countries in its neighbourhood. Nor does India need to attract them, because India itself is a huge market and the world’s second-largest oil importer. This caricature reflects the shallowness of Norwegian journalism, especially since it comes from that country’s largest newspaper.”

Ordinary Indians also described the caricature as racist and linked it to the colonial-era mentality of Western nations. During that period, the Western world often associated India with snakes and snake charmers. Many people strongly criticised the newspaper, saying that the image spreads hatred against India and insults a democratically elected leader.