Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the government had compromised national interests in its dealings with US President Donald Trump and failed to address growing unemployment.
In a post on X, Kharge said the country’s youth were facing acute distress. “Today, the youth are desperate for jobs, and the atmosphere in the country has deteriorated so much that there is deep anger among the people against Modi ji,” he wrote.
Kharge accused the Prime Minister of yielding to American pressure during trade discussions. “He knelt before Trump. He bowed down and accepted all his conditions, which has left the entire country embarrassed,” the Congress chief alleged.
He further claimed that instead of safeguarding farmers’ interests, the negotiations harmed them.
“Instead of negotiating for the welfare and support of our farmers, discussions were held that would harm them,” Kharge said, adding that people were led to believe the talks were in the nation’s interest.
“This has made it clear that while people believed Modi ji was speaking to Trump in the nation’s interest, the reality is that Trump is making us subservient and pushing us toward becoming bonded labourers. This is what Modi ji is doing,” he alleged.
The Centre has consistently maintained that its trade engagements with the United States are aimed at expanding market access, strengthening economic ties and promoting investment. However, the Congress has repeatedly raised concerns over the potential impact of such agreements on farmers, small businesses and domestic industries.
Kharge also accused the Prime Minister of avoiding parliamentary scrutiny. “The Congress is not afraid, nor is it cowardly. Modi himself is fearful. Because of fear, he is unable to come to Parliament and defend his policies,” he said.
He alleged that the government was attempting to silence dissent. “That is why he is trying to intimidate us, trying to intimidate our youth, and trying to intimidate our young leaders. This will not work. I condemn this,” Kharge stated.
The remarks come amid heightened political exchanges between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress over economic policy, unemployment and the functioning of democratic institutions.
Reiterating the party’s stance, Kharge said the Congress would continue its struggle to safeguard democratic values. “For the protection of democracy and the Constitution in our country, we will make whatever sacrifices are necessary. We will continue to fight and will carry on the struggle against those who are mortgaging the nation,” he said, adding the hashtag #IStandWithYouthCongress.
The statement signals the Congress leadership’s effort to consolidate opposition voices around issues of employment, trade policy and what it describes as threats to democratic institutions, setting the stage for intensified political confrontation in the months ahead.
