PM Modi Targets Rahul Gandhi at NDTV World Summit, Accuses Congress of Damaging India’s Global Image

New Delhi, October 23, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during his address at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on Thursday, accusing sections of the opposition of seeking disorder in India at a time when the world is looking for a new global order.

Modi alleged that some political leaders were attempting to damage India’s international reputation by criticising the government abroad and seeking foreign intervention. His remarks came amid continuing political confrontations between the BJP-led government and the Congress over opposition protests and demands for accountability from constitutional institutions.

Modi Calls Rahul Gandhi a “Failed Product”

Without naming Rahul Gandhi in every part of his address, Modi directed pointed criticism at the Congress leader, describing him as a “failed product” and questioning the party’s repeated efforts to establish his leadership.

Using a comparison with India’s space programme, the Prime Minister said the Congress made repeated attempts to launch its leader, drawing a contrast between the party’s political efforts and the launches conducted from Sriharikota.

The remarks intensified the political exchange between the BJP and Congress, whose leaders have frequently clashed over governance, democratic accountability and the direction of the country.

Prime Minister Questions Congress’s Conduct Abroad

Modi argued that India’s international standing should be presented as a strong and stable image, particularly during a period of global uncertainty. He accused some opposition leaders of travelling abroad to criticise the country and appealing for foreign intervention in domestic matters.

According to the Prime Minister, such actions risk undermining national interests and damaging India's reputation internationally.

These accusations form part of a wider political dispute over how opposition criticism should be expressed and whether statements made outside India affect the country’s global image. The claims represent Modi’s political assessment and should be distinguished from independently established facts.

Modi Says Political Attacks Also Hurt Honest Government Critics

The Prime Minister also argued that the Congress’s conduct could undermine the credibility of people who criticise the government honestly.

His remarks suggested that, in his view, opposition tactics and statements abroad make it more difficult to distinguish substantive criticism of government policies from political attacks that he considers harmful to national interests.

The comments come against the backdrop of ongoing disagreements between the government and opposition parties over public protests, electoral processes and institutional accountability.

Rahul Gandhi and Congress Continue to Challenge the Government

Rahul Gandhi has been at the forefront of the Congress’s criticism of the BJP-led government and has participated in opposition mobilisation in Delhi. The opposition has raised concerns over electoral issues and the functioning of constitutional institutions, while the ruling party has defended its position and criticised the opposition’s approach.

The confrontation reflects a broader struggle between the government and opposition over democratic accountability, electoral transparency and the role of political criticism in public life.

For the Congress, challenging government decisions remains central to its opposition strategy. For the BJP, questioning the Congress’s political conduct provides an opportunity to portray the opposition as disconnected from national priorities.

Political Exchange Highlights Growing Polarisation

Modi’s remarks at the NDTV World Summit underline the increasingly confrontational relationship between the BJP and Congress. Personal attacks, competing narratives about patriotism and disputes over India’s international reputation have become recurring elements of their political exchanges.

The latest comments are likely to intensify debate over the limits of political criticism, the responsibilities of national leaders and the distinction between criticising a government and criticising the country.

As the political contest continues, the responses from Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, along with further statements from the BJP, will shape the next phase of the debate.

Source: The Indian Express, updated October 23, 2026. The accusations and characterisations attributed to Narendra Modi are presented as political statements, not independently verified findings.