Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge labeled Prime Minister Narendra Modi an "enemy of the nation" on Sunday, alleging that Modi's close ties with US President Donald Trump have jeopardized India's economic and diplomatic standing. Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha criticized Modi for prioritizing personal alliances over national interests, particularly in light of the US imposing a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods.
Kharge claimed that Modi's friendship with Trump, marked by public endorsements like "Phir Ek Baar Trump" (Trump, one more time), has led to devastating consequences for India. "Trump and Modi can be friends, but Modi has become an enemy of the nation. He spoiled the atmosphere," Kharge charged, pointing to the tariffs as evidence of economic harm to Indian farmers, small businesses, and exporters. He accused Modi of abandoning India's decades-long policy of non-alignment, which he argued would have prevented such punitive measures from the US.
The Congress leader also took aim at the Modi government's handling of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), welcoming recent revisions to simplify tax slabs but accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of exploiting citizens for years with multiple tax brackets. "We raised this issue eight years ago, advocating for two slabs to benefit the poor, but they looted people with four to five slabs," Kharge said, suggesting the changes were politically motivated due to upcoming elections.
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Kharge further criticized Modi's foreign policy, referencing his earlier denial of Chinese incursions into Indian territory, only to later engage with China diplomatically. "Modi himself entered there in China," he remarked, accusing the Prime Minister of inconsistent leadership that has tarnished India's global image. While pledging opposition support for national interests, Kharge warned against Modi misusing this unity to act arbitrarily.
Looking ahead to the Bihar elections, Kharge outlined Congress's campaign focus, highlighting unemployment, law and order issues, sexual assaults on women, lack of scholarships for Dalits and backward classes, and fertilizer shortages for farmers. He also emphasized the "vote theft" issue as a key agenda, accusing authorities of electoral malpractices.
On a positive note, Kharge praised the Karnataka Congress government's decision to use ballot papers for local body elections, calling it a long-overdue reform. "We had been demanding it, and I welcome this move," he said, reinforcing the party’s commitment to electoral transparency.
The remarks have intensified the political slugfest, with Congress leveraging the tariff issue to challenge Modi's leadership and rally public support ahead of crucial state elections. As India navigates the economic fallout from US tariffs, Kharge’s allegations underscore deep divisions over the nation’s foreign policy and economic priorities.
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