New Delhi, Mar 8: In a blistering attack on the BJP-led central government, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday branded US President Donald Trump a “dictator” and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being his “gulam” (slave), escalating political rhetoric amid tensions over India’s stance on the Middle East crisis, US trade negotiations, and tariff disputes.
Speaking at a high-profile AICC workers’ meet in the capital, Kharge tore into Modi’s foreign policy, alleging it prioritizes personal rapport with Trump over national interests. “Trump acts like a dictator, imposing tariffs and dictating terms, while Modi ji behaves like his slave—compromising on trade deals that hurt Indian farmers, exporters, and workers,” he thundered, drawing loud cheers from the audience packed with party leaders and grassroots cadres.
The outspoken Congress chief linked his remarks to the escalating Middle East unrest, claiming Modi’s government has failed to safeguard Indian migrant workers amid supply chain disruptions and oil price spikes. He highlighted stalled India-US trade talks, where Trump’s aggressive tariff threats on steel, textiles, and pharmaceuticals could cost billions, questioning why Modi hasn’t pushed back firmly. “When Trump tweets threats, Modi smiles and bows—where is our sovereignty?” Kharge asked, waving copies of recent trade negotiation reports.
Kharge’s comments come days after Trump, in his second term, ramped up pressure for a bilateral trade pact favoring American interests, coinciding with fragile ceasefire efforts in West Asia. BJP leaders swiftly hit back, calling Kharge’s language “shameful” and “anti-national,” with spokesperson Sambit Patra accusing Congress of undermining India’s global stature for vote-bank politics ahead of key state polls.
The exchange underscores deepening domestic divides on foreign affairs, with opposition parties amplifying criticism as Trump-Modi summits loom. Congress plans nationwide protests on trade and ME worker safety, while BJP rallies behind “strategic autonomy.” Political temperature rises—watch this space
