Bengaluru, Feb 24 (UNI) Triggering a fresh political firestorm, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s direct attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “coward” for allegedly avoiding parliamentary debate, has turned the AI Summit protest row into a larger political confrontation over governance, nationalism, and youth unemployment.
The controversy was amplified after Kharge accused Modi of avoiding accountability in Parliament, saying the Prime Minister feared defending his policies before lawmakers. “PM Modi himself is a coward. He fears coming to Parliament and defending himself and his policies. That is why they are trying to intimidate our youth leaders,” Kharge alleged, linking the criticism to the arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib and protests staged by the Indian Youth Congress during the event.
The Congress chief also widened his attack to past political events, questioning the conduct of BJP leaders, including union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Referring to the Commonwealth Games period, Kharge alleged that BJP leaders had earlier attended events and created disruptions while now preaching nationalism to the opposition. He said political leaders should first examine their own behaviour before lecturing others on patriotism or public order.
“Stop trying to educate others, stop teaching others. Look at your own behaviour in the mirror; everyone knows what your actions were,” Kharge said, urging authorities not to harass Youth Congress workers and stressing that democratic protests remained a legitimate political right.
Kharge also raised the issue of youth unemployment, claiming that rising joblessness had created widespread anger against the government. He alleged that the country’s political and economic environment had deteriorated, saying, “The youth today are desperate for jobs, and people are very angry with Prime Minister Modi.”
Escalating his criticism to foreign policies of the government, Kharge accused Modi of excessive compliance during diplomatic engagements, particularly referencing meetings with former US President Donald Trump. He claimed Modi had “bowed down with folded hands” and accepted foreign conditions, which he said had embarrassed the country globally.
Kharge further alleged that the ruling establishment was attempting to suppress opposition voices and instil fear among Congress workers. He maintained that Congress would continue raising public issues despite pressure, signalling that the political war of words between the ruling party and opposition is likely to intensify over protests, employment concerns, and political freedom.
