Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday delivered a sharp and wide-ranging attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of compromising national interests and protecting corporate allies.
In a strongly worded statement posted on X, Gandhi framed his criticism around the theme of “shame,” responding to recent remarks by the Prime Minister.
“Mr. Modi, you speak about shame? Let me tell you what is truly shameful,” Gandhi wrote.
मोदी जी, आप शर्म की बात करते हो? शर्म की बात मैं आपको बताता हूं।
Epstein files में आपका, आपके मंत्री और आपके मित्र का साथ में नाम आना, ऐसे घिनौने अपराधी के साथ आपका नाम जुड़ा होना – ये शर्म की बात है।
आपने अमेरिका के साथ जो Trade deal की है, जिसमें आपने देश को बेच दिया – ये… pic.twitter.com/fLFJf4SjNC
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 23, 2026
Referring to the so-called Epstein files, Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister’s name had appeared alongside that of a minister and an associate in connection with late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of running a sex trafficking network.
“Your name appearing alongside your minister and your associate in the Epstein files, your name being linked with such a heinous criminal — that is shameful,” Gandhi said, without offering further specifics.
The Prime Minister’s Office has not issued a response to the allegation. The government has previously rejected opposition accusations of impropriety as politically motivated.
Gandhi also criticised the government’s trade agreement with the United States, alleging that it undermined India’s interests.
“The trade deal you signed with the United States, in which you sold out the country — that is shameful,” he wrote.
He further accused the government of compromising citizens’ data, weakening the farming sector, and damaging the textile industry. “You handed over our country’s data. You destroyed the farmers. You ruined the textile industry — that is shameful,” he said.
The Congress party has consistently opposed the Centre’s agricultural and trade policies, arguing that they adversely affect small farmers and domestic industries. The government, however, maintains that its economic reforms are designed to strengthen growth, boost investment and enhance India’s global competitiveness.
The Congress leader also referred to ongoing legal proceedings in the United States involving industrialist Gautam Adani, claiming the issue had unsettled the ruling establishment.
“The entire country knows that the case underway in the United States against Adani has cost you many sleepless nights — because it concerns the BJP and your financial architecture. For 14 months, no action has been taken on it — that is shameful,” Gandhi said.
The opposition has repeatedly sought a probe into allegations concerning the Adani Group. The conglomerate has denied any wrongdoing, while the government has dismissed charges of favouritism.
In a pointed remark directed at the Prime Minister, Gandhi said: “Mr. Modi, do whatever you think is appropriate for your friends Anil Ambani, Adani, and yourself.”
Gandhi also made a declaration of resolve from his party: “As for me, and the brave lions of the Congress party, we will continue to defend the nation — we will not retreat even an inch.”
The comments signal a further escalation in the ongoing political confrontation between the Congress and the ruling BJP, as the opposition sharpens its attacks ahead of key electoral battles.