NEW DELHI, Oct 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday criticised the Congress, accusing the opposition party of attempting to undermine India’s reputation at a time when the global order is undergoing significant changes. He said that while countries are discussing a new international framework, some people in India are seeking to create disorder.
Addressing the NDTV World Summit in the national capital, Modi took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, questioning the party’s repeated attempts to establish its leadership. He remarked that Sriharikota, India’s space launch centre, does not witness as many launches in a year as the Congress makes attempts to launch its leader, referring to what he described as repeated failures.
The prime minister alleged that the Congress was questioning the country’s achievements to protect its family from the consequences of political failures. Using the expression that “the grapes are sour”, he accused the party of attempting to undermine the very progress it could not claim for itself. He also said the party’s leadership had become a burden on the organisation.
Turning to international affairs, Modi said the changing global landscape had raised important questions about the effectiveness of the existing world order. He stressed that established international institutions needed reforms to address emerging challenges and reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
The prime minister underlined the importance of giving the Global South a stronger voice in multilateral institutions, arguing that the international system must better represent the interests and concerns of developing countries.
He also called for international cooperation that remains effective during crises rather than functioning only in favourable circumstances. According to Modi, building a sustainable global framework requires meaningful consensus among all stakeholders.
“Nowadays, everyone is discussing the new world order, because its impact is being felt in everyday life,” he said, highlighting how international developments increasingly influence ordinary citizens.
Modi said that amid global uncertainty, India should be recognised internationally as a stable and strong country. However, he accused certain political opponents of damaging the country’s standing by criticising it abroad and seeking foreign intervention in domestic matters.
The prime minister questioned how long the Congress would continue making attempts to establish its leader, alleging that the party was putting national interests at stake for this purpose. He further claimed that even senior Congress leaders privately acknowledged the problems associated with the party’s leadership.
Modi also alleged that the Congress’s political approach was preventing constructive criticism of the government from receiving adequate attention. He argued that legitimate criticism aimed at improving governance and strengthening democracy was being overshadowed by the party’s conduct.
In his sharpest remarks, the prime minister described the Congress as a “parasite” that did not want other leaders to grow. He also used the term “Dimagi Naxals” to accuse certain elements within the party of influencing its thinking and damaging the country.
The Congress has frequently challenged the government’s policies and political positions, while the BJP and Modi have accused the opposition of weakening India’s image. The latest remarks added to the continuing political confrontation between the ruling party and the principal opposition.
Modi’s address combined criticism of the Congress’s leadership with a broader argument for restructuring global institutions, placing India’s international role and domestic political debate at the centre of his speech.