Trump is 'dictator', Modi is his 'slave': Mallikarjun Kharge
Kalaburagi (Karnataka) (PTI): AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said US President Donald Trump is a "dictator" and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is his "gulam" (slave), as he targeted the BJP-led government at the Centre over its stand on the ongoing Middle Eastern crisis, trade deal with the USA, and tariff issue.
Addressing a gathering after launching various development projects worth Rs 1,069 crore in Chittapur here, he claimed that Modi is "controlled" by Trump using the Jeffrey Epstein files.
"It (Iran) is also a country, its supreme leader was murdered...if the leader of a country is killed will that country and the world be safe? Think about it. Whether it is Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei or Venezuela's leader (Nicolas Maduro Moros). If leaders of countries are threatened like this, there will be no peace in the world," Kharge said, as he accused the US for its "arrogance" and violating international laws.
Also, targeting India's trade deal with the USA, he claimed that India was forced to accept it, where it cannot impose tariffs on the import of several agricultural products, while the Americans impose tariffs on what India exports to them.
"Sixty five per cent of our farmers are dependent on agriculture, while it is 3 per cent in America. What will happen to our farmers? With friendship with such people (Trump), you (Modi) are destroying our country, pushing it to slavery. You have pledged the country for American interests. You act as America says," he added.
Pointing out that India used to get oil from Russia, Iran and Venezuela, Kharge said the country used to buy from wherever it was cheap to fulfill its energy needs, but today the purchase is made based on what Modi directs and at the price he dictates. "He is destroying the country."
Modi calls Trump his friend. India used to get oil from Russia, but Trump said not to do so, or else he will impose tariffs. "This is what Modi's dost (friend) has done."
"Modi speaks so much. He does Mann Ki Baat. Why doesn't he speak now, when America is doing so much injustice to us by asking us, not to get oil as per our choice," he said.
Noting that the US has given a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, Kharge said, "He (Trump) is a dictator. Modi is his gulam (slave)."
"Will you accept it (diktat)? The Congress party got the country's freedom from the British. Gandhiji and others sacrificed themselves for the cause by taking bullets. You abused such a Congress and came to power. Did you come to power to take the country to slavery," he asked.
Alleging that Modi's priority was election campaigning, as he is always seen campaigning in various parts of the country like Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, said people gave him the mandate to administer and address their concerns based on global events.
"Leaving that, he roams across the country, makes election speeches, and targets Congress and its leaders, despite the Congress not being in power for long. He does it to divert people's attention. While we (Congress) did nation building, Modi is destroying the country," he alleged.
Claiming that the Modi government's foreign policy is "wrong", Kharge said the country was respected across the globe earlier. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was formed under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership for world peace.
"What have they (Modi govt) done? They don't have a good relationship with anyone. He (Modi) goes to every country, wears a medal on his neck and says he was honoured. Israel honoured him, and the very next day they hit Iran and killed Khamenei... such people have been born in our country. You (people) need to teach them a good lesson," he said.
Kharge pointed out that the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, which was returning after participating in the International Fleet Review and MILAN exercise hosted by the Indian Navy, was torpedoed and sunk by the US in the Indian Ocean. "This shows your (Modi govt's) actual strength," he said, and questioned what happened to Modi's warning to those who threaten India.
If any loss happens to the country amid these global happenings, the poor here will be the most affected, he said.
"The rich will somehow survive. If there is a bomb attack on us, the rich will go to the US, UK or some other country, but where will the poor go?"
Alleging that people in RSS had worked for the British and had not shed a drop of blood for the country, the AICC chief said, their ideology is not good for the country.
He claimed that Modi is being controlled by Trump using Epstein files, and said the country cannot progress if such a government continues for long.
"Epstein files that America has contains records of who has done what, where they have gone, what enjoyment they did on that island. Using it Trump has caught hold of Modi's nose... fearing the Epstein files, Modi has bowed his head down and his mouth is shut," he said.
Stating that no one had provoked India in 75 years, Kharge said that when Pakistan tried to do so, Indira Gandhi divided that country and created Bangladesh.
"She did it without fear when the US sent a huge warship to the region then. Modi, why don't you have such courage," he asked.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
