Opinion | Is The Opposition Really A 'Naraaz Fufa'?

Updated: Sep 10, 2026 18:04 pm IST Published On Sep 10, 2026 18:04 pm IST Last Updated On Sep 10, 2026 18:04 pm IST

Published On Sep 10, 2026 18:04 pm IST

Last Updated On Sep 10, 2026 18:04 pm IST

Politics, like Indian family gatherings, has its customary characters. There is the enthusiastic cousin, the know-it-all uncle, and, occasionally, the eternally displeased uncle who asks, "But why is this necessary?"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now given this familiar Indian family character a political identity - the 'naraaz fufa' (Fufaji is father's sister's husband) - the commonly attention-seeking uncle in most Indian weddings and functions.

Speaking at the centenary celebrations of SRCC (Shri Ram College of Commerce), Delhi University recently, PM Modi contrasted those who convert social energy into nation-building with those who oppose every new initiative by asking: what is the need for this?

As examples, PM Modi mentioned projects and initiatives ranging from the Statue of Unity and the bullet train to UPI, the new Parliament building, and a memorial for fallen soldiers, etc - all initiated by his government.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was clearly not humoured by PM Modi's remarks. He blamed Modi for using an important academic platform to attack political opponents instead of discussing education, employment, and the future of young Indians. Kharge also labelled 'naraaz fufa', 'dimagi naxal', 'urban naxal', 'Khan Market Gang', etc., as successive political brandings allegedly used to silence criticism.

But is Kharge being unnecessarily touchy? Or does the 'naraaz fufa' description actually capture something........

© NDTV