Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge sharpened his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, accusing him of putting personal political ties above the country’s interests in the wake of escalating tensions over the United States’ decision to impose heavy tariffs on Indian goods. Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Kharge asserted that while Modi and US President Donald Trump might enjoy a friendship that served their electoral purposes, the consequences had been borne by the Indian people. He charged that Modi’s alignment with Trump had led to India being subjected to punitive economic measures, including the 50 per cent tariff, which he claimed had severely hurt the country’s economy.
Kharge went further, branding Modi "an enemy of the nation," alleging that his political choices had not only spoiled India’s diplomatic environment but also undermined its long-held principles of neutrality and non-alignment. He reminded that for decades, India had maintained a balanced foreign policy stance, avoiding alignment with major power blocs, and insisted that Modi should return to that path instead of jeopardizing the nation’s global standing for political gain.
The Congress chief also pointed to other contentious issues, such as the revised GST slabs, arguing that the government’s move to adjust rates ahead of elections was a calculated attempt to pacify voters after years of burdening them. He accused the BJP of ignoring earlier demands to simplify GST into two slabs, instead introducing multiple layers that he claimed had "looted people." Kharge said the Congress would support any step that eased pressure on the poor but noted the timing revealed political motives.
Turning to foreign policy, Kharge recalled Modi’s controversial statement that "no one entered Indian territory" during Chinese incursions, contrasting it with his later actions. He alleged that Modi’s handling of the China issue further weakened India’s credibility on the global stage. Similarly, he criticized Modi’s public endorsements of Trump during the past US elections, including slogans like "Phir Ek Baar Trump," saying these eroded India’s independent diplomatic identity.
Kharge also touched on domestic political strategies, announcing that Congress would raise issues such as unemployment, law and order, rising cases of sexual assault, lack of scholarships for marginalized groups, and the unavailability of fertilizers for farmers during the upcoming Bihar elections. He further highlighted "vote theft" as a critical issue, signaling a combative approach to the electoral battle.
On Karnataka’s decision to conduct local body elections through ballot papers, Kharge endorsed the move, saying it was a positive step. He emphasized that while the opposition would stand united with the government on matters of national interest, it would not allow Modi to misuse that support for arbitrary or self-serving policies.
