'Visited 42 nations but not Manipur where people are dying': Kharge slams Modi’s foreign trips

Hyderabad: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy as “faulty”, claiming it has led to growing hostility from neighbouring countries and growing discontent within India. Addressing the 'Samajika Nyaya Samara Bheri' event in Hyderabad, Kharge said, “Modi has visited 42 countries, but has not yet gone to Manipur, where people are dying.”

Kharge, taking a direct swipe at the NDA government's diplomacy, said:

“His foreign policy is not good, because of which we have enemies from all corners. On one side, there is China and on the other, Pakistan. Today, Nepal is also distancing itself from us. Everybody is moving away from us.”

The AICC chief also accused the Prime Minister of ignoring the plight of Indian citizens, especially farmers, in favour of photo opportunities and foreign accolades.

“If someone gives Modi a cap or a medal, he will wear it and go around. But he won’t look at the farmers or the country’s people,” Kharge said.

“Modi ji, where are you? You are visiting eight countries, but not addressing the suffering in your own nation.”

Kharge also alleged that Modi has “ruined” India’s economy over the last 11 years and is “destroying the Constitution.” He described the BJP-led central government as being indifferent to internal strife and economic inequalities.

The Congress veteran’s remarks come amid continuing unrest in Manipur, where ethnic violence and law-and-order concerns have persisted since 2023. Critics have questioned the Prime Minister’s silence and lack of physical presence in the conflict-hit northeastern state.

Kharge's attack follows renewed efforts by the Congress to consolidate its position across southern states, especially in Telangana and Karnataka, ahead of upcoming local body elections and the broader Opposition strategy against the BJP in Parliament.