Overview
- Clips of Viraansh Bhanushali’s remarks spread widely on Dec 24–25, drawing millions of views and broad coverage in Indian media.
- He spoke against the motion, “This House Believes That India’s Policy Towards Pakistan Is a Populist Disguise for Security Policy,” at the Oxford Union.
- Bhanushali argued that India’s stance is rooted in security needs, citing the 1993 blasts, 26/11, Pathankot, Uri and Pulwama, and referencing the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor’s dismantling of nine launchpads.
- A widely shared line from his speech was, “You cannot shame a state that has no shame,” delivered in response to claims of Indian populism.
- The debate pitted him against Oxford Union president Moosa Harraj, described as Pakistan-born, whose criticism of Indian politics featured in the proposition, while a separate circulating clip alleging Bhanushali said he wrote Harraj’s speech has been reported with limited corroboration.