Hooghly

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over India’s ties with the United States, alleging that the Prime Minister was acting under the influence of US President Donald Trump.

Speaking at an election rally in Hooghly, Gandhi claimed that a trade agreement with the US had compromised key sectors such as agriculture, small and medium enterprises, and energy security. He further alleged that sensitive national data had also been shared, arguing that such decisions could not have been taken without external pressure.

The Congress leader also turned his criticism toward the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of weakening the state’s industrial base and failing to address unemployment.

Gandhi alleged that economic measures like demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) had adversely impacted small traders and MSMEs, while benefiting a limited group of large business interests. He further claimed that employment opportunities in West Bengal were not being distributed fairly and criticised the state government for not fulfilling its job creation promises.

He also raised allegations of corruption against both the BJP and the TMC, referring to past chit fund scams and accusing sections of the political leadership of involvement in illegal activities. Additionally, Gandhi accused the West Bengal government of failing to ensure accountability in law-and-order matters, citing the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case as an example.

His remarks came after the first phase of polling in the state recorded a high voter turnout of 91.78 per cent, according to the Election Commission of India. The second phase of voting is scheduled for April 29, with counting set for May 4.

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Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated voters for the strong participation in the first phase and commended the Election Commission and security personnel for conducting peaceful polling.