‎‎New Delhi, Feb 23 (.) ‎Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of compromising national interests and shielding corporate allies.
‎In a strongly worded statement posted on X, Gandhi turned the Prime Minister’s criticism back on him, framing his remarks around the issue of “shame.”
‎“Mr. Modi, you speak about shame? Let me tell you what is truly shameful,” Gandhi wrote.
‎Referring to the so-called Epstein files, Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister’s name had appeared alongside that of a minister and an associate in connection with the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of running a sex trafficking network.
‎“Your name appearing alongside your minister and your associate in the Epstein files, your name being linked with such a heinous criminal — that is shameful,” Gandhi said, without providing further details.
‎The Prime Minister’s Office has not responded to the specific allegation. The government has previously dismissed opposition charges of impropriety as politically motivated.
‎Gandhi also targeted the government’s trade agreement with the United States, alleging that it compromised national interests.
‎“The trade deal you signed with the United States, in which you sold out the country — that is shameful,” he wrote.
‎He further accused the government of handing over citizens’ data, “You handed over our country’s data. You destroyed the farmers. You ruined the textile industry — that is shameful,” he said.
‎The Congress has consistently criticised the Centre’s farm policies and trade decisions, arguing that they hurt small producers and domestic industries. The government, however, maintains that its economic reforms are aimed at boosting growth, attracting investment and improving India’s global competitiveness.
‎Gandhi also referred to ongoing legal proceedings in the United States involving industrialist Gautam Adani, alleging that the matter had caused concern within the ruling establishment.
‎“The entire country knows that the case underway in the United States against Adani has cost you many sleepless nights — because it concerns the BJP and your financial architecture. For 14 months, no action has been taken on it — that is shameful,” he said.
‎The opposition has repeatedly demanded a probe into allegations surrounding the Adani Group, while the conglomerate has denied wrongdoing. The government has rejected claims of favouritism.
‎In a direct message to the Prime Minister, Gandhi said: “Mr. Modi, do whatever you think is appropriate for your friends Anil Ambani, Adani, and yourself.”
‎He also made a declaration of resolve from his party. “As for me, and the brave lions of the Congress party, we will continue to defend the nation — we will not retreat even an inch.”
‎The remarks mark an escalation in the war of words between the Congress and the ruling BJP, with the opposition intensifying its attack ahead of key political contests. . SKA KK