Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that India’s foreign and economic choices are increasingly shaped by the United States and former US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at an election meeting in Kerala ahead of the April 9 polls, Gandhi argued that New Delhi’s energy decisions were no longer fully autonomous. He claimed that purchases of crude oil from countries such as Russia, Iran or Saudi Arabia were being influenced by Washington, calling the situation a matter of national embarrassment.

He further alleged that political and financial pressures guide decision-making at the top levels of government. Drawing a parallel with Kerala politics, Gandhi claimed that just as the Prime Minister was constrained by powerful interests, the state’s leadership was also operating under financial and corruption-related compulsions.

Criticism of Governance and Religious Rhetoric

Gandhi also took aim at the Prime Minister’s public addresses, accusing him of focusing heavily on religious themes rather than governance and policy matters.

Allegations Against Kerala’s Ruling Front

Turning his attention to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala, Gandhi accused it of corruption, including alleged irregularities linked to the Sabarimala temple issue. He questioned why the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) does not strongly target the LDF, suggesting that the arrangement benefits both sides politically.

According to Gandhi, only the Congress has the ideological strength to effectively challenge the BJP at the national level.

Claims of Selective Action and Trade Concerns

Referring to cases filed against opposition leaders, Gandhi said legal proceedings are frequently initiated against those who criticise the Prime Minister. He questioned why similar scrutiny is not applied to others, including leaders in Kerala.

He also raised objections to a proposed trade arrangement with the United States, alleging it would require India to purchase goods worth ₹9 lakh crore from the US, potentially weakening domestic manufacturing efforts under the “Make in India” initiative.

Additionally, Gandhi claimed that sensitive Indian data had effectively been handed over to US entities, alleging that such information could be stored and used abroad. He described the Prime Minister as being compromised by American leadership.

In a closing remark, Gandhi expressed hope that Kerala would one day have a woman Chief Minister.