Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is controlled by U.S. President Donald Trump.
These allegations target the independence of India's foreign and domestic policy. By suggesting the Prime Minister is subservient to a foreign leader, Gandhi aims to portray the current administration as compromised ahead of critical elections.
During a rally in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam on April 25, 2024 [1], Gandhi said Modi is "frightened" of Trump. He said that the Prime Minister allows the U.S. president to dictate Indian policy regarding oil and agriculture. Gandhi said that Modi has sold India's agriculture sector to the U.S. [1].
Similar remarks were delivered during a campaign event in Tamil Nadu earlier in April 2024. During those appearances, Gandhi said Narendra Modi is compromised. The opposition leader said that the Prime Minister lacks the autonomy to act in India's best interests when dealing with Washington.
In separate comments reported in Hooghly, West Bengal, Gandhi addressed the constraints on political speech. He said it was the first time an opposition leader was gagged after raising specific issues.
Gandhi's critique focuses on the perceived power dynamic between the two leaders. He said PM Modi is "controlled by Donald Trump," suggesting a relationship based on fear rather than strategic partnership [2].
“PM Modi is 'frightened' of US President Trump.”
These accusations reflect a broader political strategy to frame the ruling party's diplomacy as a liability. By linking domestic agricultural concerns to foreign influence, Gandhi is attempting to connect national sovereignty with the economic grievances of rural voters.
