New Delhi, February 7, 2026: Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Friday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning why the PM was not addressing or listening to the key demands and issues raised by the Opposition during the ongoing Budget session of Parliament.
In his remarks to the media, Kharge accused the Prime Minister of lacking the courage to respond to questions posed by Opposition leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He alleged that Modi avoided substantive replies in his 97-minute address in the Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, instead resorting to "repeating falsehoods" without tackling any core concerns raised by the Opposition.
Kharge specifically pointed to disruptions in Parliament over the past few days, including the Opposition's walkout from the Rajya Sabha during Modi's speech. He claimed the government was deliberately not allowing Leaders of Opposition in both Houses to speak fully, describing it as a mindset that undermines democratic functioning. "The truth is that Narendra Modi doesn't have the courage to answer the questions we've asked," Kharge said, adding that the government does not want to run the House democratically.
The Congress leader further alleged that Modi's morale was "broken" due to recent revelations, including references to former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane’s memoirs and mentions in the Epstein files, making him "scared" of facing scrutiny from Rahul Gandhi. Kharge claimed the PM lacked vision and ideology, and had dodged accountability on issues such as alleged compromises in India's interests in trade dealings with the United States under President Donald Trump, which the Opposition described as a "surrender."
The tensions stem from earlier parliamentary proceedings where Opposition members protested against restrictions on Rahul Gandhi's ability to quote from Naravane's memoir during debates, leading to adjournments and accusations of the government stifling discussion on national security and foreign policy matters.
In contrast, during his Rajya Sabha reply, Prime Minister Modi had taken digs at the protesting Opposition, including a remark directed at Kharge regarding his age, allowing him to "sit and shout slogans" amid the uproar. The Opposition's protests and walkout highlighted their demand for fair opportunity to raise issues, which they say the government has ignored.
Kharge's comments come amid a stormy Budget session marked by mutual accusations, with the Opposition insisting on greater accountability and the ruling side defending procedural adherence. The developments have once again spotlighted the deepening divide in Parliament over democratic debate and responsiveness to Opposition concerns.
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