Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, calling them 'good friends' who are destroying India and the world. He made the remarks while addressing a mega convention in Bengaluru where B K Hariprasad formally assumed charge as the new Karnataka Congress President.
Kharge's sharp criticism of Modi-Trump friendship
Speaking at the event, Kharge said, 'Modi and Trump are good friends, but they are destroying India and the world together.' He accused the two leaders of pursuing policies that harm democratic institutions, fuel inequality, and threaten global peace. The Congress chief did not provide specific examples but linked their leadership styles to rising authoritarianism and economic distress.
B K Hariprasad takes over as Karnataka Congress chief
The convention marked the official handover of the Karnataka Congress presidency to B K Hariprasad, a seasoned leader and former MP. Hariprasad replaces D K Shivakumar, who stepped down after the party's performance in the 2023 assembly elections. In his acceptance speech, Hariprasad vowed to strengthen the party's grassroots network and take on the BJP in the upcoming local body polls.
Kharge praised Hariprasad's experience and called for unity within the state unit. 'We must work together to defeat the BJP's divisive agenda,' he said. The event was attended by several senior Congress leaders, including former chief minister Siddaramaiah and state party working president Satish Jarkiholi.
Political context and reactions
Kharge's comments come amid growing criticism of Modi's foreign policy, particularly his close ties with Trump, who is seeking re-election in 2026. The Congress has repeatedly accused the Modi government of compromising India's strategic autonomy. The BJP, however, dismissed Kharge's remarks as 'baseless and desperate.' BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya said, 'Kharge's statement reflects the Congress's frustration at its irrelevance. Modi-Trump friendship has benefited India in trade and security.'
Political analysts note that Kharge's attack is part of the Congress's strategy to position itself as a defender of democratic values ahead of the 2029 general elections. The party has been trying to build a narrative around threats to constitutional institutions, with Modi and Trump as central figures.
