‘Dismantle India, support Rahul Gandhi’: Austrian NATO activist Gunther Fehlinger’s posts spark outrage

Austrian economist Gunther Fehlinger-Jahn has drawn strong reactions in India after he posted on X calling to “dismantle India into Ex-India” and shared a map dividing Indian territory among neighbouring countries. His account was later withheld in India.The screenshot of his post went viral, sparking criticism from political leaders and widespread anger among netizens. The map showed parts of India as belonging to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and a separate Khalistan.

‘We need friend of freedom for Khalistan’

“I call to dismantle India into Ex-India. Narendra Modi is Russian man. We need friend of freedom for Khalistan,” Fehlinger wrote in his post.

The map triggered backlash online, with users labelling Fehlinger as a “troll.” Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi urged the Ministry of External Affairs to raise the issue with Austria, saying, “What insanity is this? @MEAIndia must take this up with the Austrian Embassy.”
Social media users also recalled a 2023 tweet in which Fehlinger had expressed support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “pro-Russia and pro-China.”

India’s altered map fuels anger

The map circulated by Fehlinger showed Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan as part of “Khalistan,” and Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan. This portrayal triggered intense outrage, with many users demanding action from Indian authorities.

One user wrote, “Modi doesn’t bow, bend or break. They want a puppet PM who will wag his tail when they whistle. That’s why Pappu looks like their dream candidate – zero spine, zero brains, 100% obedience.”

Who is Gunther Fehlinger?

Fehlinger, born in 1968 in Linz, Austria, is known in European policy discussions for his strong advocacy of NATO and European Union expansion. He studied International Business at the Vienna University of Economics and Business.
He has previously called for the breakup of other nations, including Russia and Brazil, as part of his push for strengthening Western alliances. His activism often involves provocative statements about countries seen as rivals of NATO.