Kharge Warns Modi Over Diplomatic Decisions
New Delhi
On Sunday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s friendship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming it has come at a cost to India and damaged the nation’s global standing. Addressing reporters in Kalaburagi, Kharge alleged that while Modi and Trump may maintain personal rapport, the Prime Minister’s alignment with Trump has harmed national interests.
Referring to the U.S. tariff issue, Kharge said, Trump imposed heavy tariffs, and Modi’s alignment has worsened the situation, affecting Indian citizens and industries. National interest must come before personal friendships. He urged the Prime Minister to follow India’s long-standing policy of neutrality and non-alignment, emphasizing that the country’s diplomatic independence should remain paramount.
Kharge also criticized the BJP government’s handling of domestic policies, citing revised GST rates and previous multiple tax slabs. He argued that Congress had long advocated simpler taxation to benefit the poor, but successive BJP governments exploited the system for political gain.
On security issues, Kharge questioned Modi’s previous statements on China, highlighting discrepancies in claims about territorial incursions. He also listed key issues for the upcoming Bihar elections, including unemployment, law and order, women’s safety, farmer support, Dalit and backward class welfare, and alleged vote theft.
Kharge concluded by stressing that the opposition remains united on matters of national interest, but will not allow arbitrary actions. We are committed to the country, but support does not mean allowing misuse of power, he said, cautioning that Modi’s overt alignment with Trump has undermined India’s international credibility and weakened its traditional non-alignment stance.
