Kharge Criticizes Modi Over US Tariff Tensions and China Relations

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his relationship with US President Donald Trump and the implications of recent tariff tensions. Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Kharge described the friendship between Modi and Trump as detrimental to India, asserting that it has made Modi “an enemy of the nation.”

Kharge’s comments come in light of Trump’s imposition of substantial tariffs on Indian goods. He claimed that the Modi-Trump alliance has been detrimental to India’s interests, stating, “Trump and Modi can be friends, but Modi has become an enemy of the nation. He spoiled the atmosphere… Trump imposed a huge tariff. After a 50 percent tariff, he destroyed our people.”

The Congress leader emphasized that national interests should take precedence over personal relationships, urging Modi to remember India’s long-standing foreign policy of neutrality. He remarked that Modi needs to realize that “the nation comes first and your friendship is secondary.”

Concerns Over Domestic Policies

Kharge also addressed recent changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), expressing support for any measures that would benefit the poor. He noted that the Congress party had previously advocated for a simpler tax structure, arguing that the introduction of multiple GST slabs had burdened the populace. “We raised this issue eight years ago. We said that if there were two slabs, that would benefit poor people, but they introduced four to five slabs and looted people,” Kharge stated.

In the context of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections, Kharge outlined key issues that the Congress party plans to highlight, including unemployment, law and order, and the plight of marginalized communities. He specifically pointed out that Dalits and backward classes are not receiving scholarships and that farmers are struggling to obtain fertilizers. “Vote theft” is also a critical issue on the party’s agenda, he added.

China Relations and National Security

Further, Kharge criticized Modi for a perceived shift in India’s stance towards China. He referenced Modi’s previous assertions denying any Chinese incursions into Indian territory, suggesting that the Prime Minister has compromised India’s position. “Now Modi himself entered there in China,” Kharge said, indicating a reversal in the government’s approach to foreign relations.

The Congress president reiterated that while unity is essential during times of national concern, it does not justify arbitrary actions by the government. “We are one when it comes to the country. There is no doubt. But it doesn’t mean that since we are supporting you, you should do anything arbitrarily. We don’t believe in this,” he concluded.

Kharge’s remarks reflect increasing tensions within Indian politics regarding foreign policy and domestic issues as the nation approaches critical elections.