Chandigarh, Feb 28 — At a packed ‘Kisan-Mazdoor’ rally in Barnala, Punjab, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, branding him ‘Surrender Modi’ for allegedly compromising India’s sovereignty under international influence. Kharge accused Modi of abandoning the country’s historical stance on trade and foreign policy, a move he claimed has placed India at the mercy of global powers.

Allegations of Subservience and Political Hypocrisy

Kharge’s remarks came amid growing concerns in Punjab about the federal government’s handling of economic and agricultural policies. He specifically called out Modi’s administration for allegedly following the dictates of US President Donald Trump, which he claimed has led to a dilution of India’s national interests.

‘The Prime Minister speaks of icons like Bhagat Singh and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for political optics, but his actions are diametrically opposed to their ideals,’ Kharge said, drawing a sharp contrast between the rhetoric and policies of the ruling party.

Kharge also highlighted the contradiction between Modi’s image as a strong leader and what he described as the ‘surrender’ to foreign pressures, particularly in trade and foreign policy decisions. He pointed to the recently signed Indo-American trade agreement as a prime example of this alleged subservience, claiming it would undermine Indian farmers and the country’s economic autonomy.

Focus on Punjab’s Agrarian and Labor Struggles

Kharge expressed solidarity with Punjab’s farmers and laborers, drawing parallels between the current political and economic challenges and the historic resistance against the controversial farm laws in 2020. He urged the Punjabi electorate to confront both the BJP-led central government and the AAP state government, which he dismissed as the ‘B-team’ of the BJP.

‘The people of Punjab must fight on two fronts — against the central government and the state administration that is not protecting the interests of the people,’ Kharge said, accusing the AAP government of failing to uphold the ‘Right to Work’ laws established by previous Congress regimes.

Kharge also criticized the state government for its alleged silence on rising incidents of violence and crime against women, despite Punjab’s historical legacy of social justice and progressive policies. ‘The state administration has failed to act on these critical issues,’ he said, calling for greater accountability.

Call for United Front and Constitutional Safeguards

Accompanied by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Kharge called on Punjabi voters to support the Congress to protect the Constitution and democratic values. He praised Rahul Gandhi as a leader who ‘fulfills his promises’ and stands with Dalits, farmers, and the common public.

Kharge invoked the major spirit of Sardar Ajit Singh and Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, urging a united front to defend the nation’s land, forests, and democratic values from being sold to private interests. ‘We must not allow the sale of our natural resources to private hands under the guise of economic development,’ he warned.

The rally, which drew thousands of farmers and laborers, was seen as a significant political move in Punjab ahead of upcoming elections. Analysts suggest that Kharge’s rhetoric aims to mobilize support for the Congress and highlight the perceived failures of the current government on agrarian and social issues.

Kharge’s accusations come at a time when tensions between the central government and state governments are high, particularly over issues of economic policy, law and order, and the implementation of central schemes. The upcoming elections in Punjab are expected to be a crucial test for both the Congress and the AAP.

With the Congress hoping to make inroads in Punjab, Kharge’s message of unity and resistance against what he describes as ‘external pressures’ and ‘internal betrayal’ is likely to resonate with a large segment of the electorate.