New Delhi: Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad for his silence during a recent US visit, particularly over the issue of newly imposed tariffs by US President Donald Trump. Addressing party workers at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting on Wednesday, Gandhi alleged that Modi failed to defend India’s economic interests and accused the government of staging distractions in Parliament to hide the brewing financial crisis.
“Did anyone see the usual hug between Modi and Trump this time? The Prime Minister, who often calls Donald Trump a friend, returned from the US without saying a word on the new tariffs imposed on Indian goods,” Gandhi said. He suggested that Trump’s actions, and lack of response from PM Modi, reflected a shift in bilateral relations, and a disregard for Indian economic concerns.
As reported by PTI, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the Waqf (Amendment) Act is “anti-Constitution” and an attack on the freedom of religion, as he warned that the BJP-RSS will soon go after the rights of other minorities such as Christians and Sikhs. Gandhi said the new Waqf Act is an attack on freedom of religion and is anti-Constitution. Citing an article in an RSS-linked magazine, Gandhi alleged that the BJP and RSS have set their sights now on the rights of Christians, and Sikhs would be next.
Referring to the government’s handling of the situation, Gandhi said, “To divert public attention from this diplomatic failure and economic crisis, a two-day drama was staged in Parliament.” He further warned that India was on the edge of a financial storm and accused the BJP-led government of ignoring real issues while engaging in optics. The remarks come amidst growing scrutiny over India’s economic trajectory and global trade positioning.
As the country prepares for key electoral battles ahead, the Congress appears poised to sharpen its narrative around economic accountability and foreign policy effectiveness, with those being the issues that could resonate with voters facing inflation, unemployment, and global trade uncertainties. Whether Gandhi’s criticism gains traction or not, it signals that the opposition intends to press hard on Modi’s international image and its domestic implications.
