Congress President Kharge Criticises Arrest of Youth Leader, Accuses PM Modi of Surrendering National Interests
New Delhi: Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, today strongly condemned the arrest of Indian Youth Congress National President Uday Bhanu Chib, describing it as part of a deliberate campaign to intimidate opposition voices and suppress youth protest.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Kharge linked the arrest to widespread anger among India’s unemployed youth and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of destroying the nation’s pride and economy. He alleged that Modi had “knelt before” US President Donald Trump during recent bilateral talks, accepting unfavourable terms in an interim trade framework that, according to Kharge, humiliated India on the global stage.
“Modi ji has ruined the country,” Kharge said. “Instead of protecting our farmers and securing national interests, he accepted every condition put forward by Trump. The entire nation feels ashamed. This is not diplomacy; this is turning India into bonded labour.”
The veteran leader claimed the government had consistently prioritised foreign concessions over domestic welfare, particularly harming farmers who were expecting protective measures in trade negotiations.
Kharge also criticised the authorities’ handling of protests, alleging that while common demonstrators are often transported far away or released on bonds, the government was specifically targeting Congress workers and youth leaders to create an atmosphere of fear.
“Congress is not afraid. We are not cowards,” he declared. “It is Modi ji who is fearful—even of his own shadow. He avoids coming to Parliament to defend his policies.”
Reiterating the party’s commitment, Kharge vowed that Congress would continue its fight to protect democracy and the Constitution, no matter the sacrifices required. “We will keep fighting against those who mortgage the country’s future,” he asserted.
The arrest of Chib followed a demonstration by IYC workers at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 against the terms of the India-US trade deal.
Kharge’s sharp remarks signal rising opposition criticism of the government’s economic diplomacy and its approach to handling dissent.
