New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge unleashed a scathing tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, dubbing him as a "sardar of liars" and accusing him of neglecting national security while allegedly dozing off after consuming opium, as China encroached upon Indian territory.
Addressing an election rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Kharge minced no words as he lambasted PM Modi, asserting that instead of safeguarding the nation's interests, the Prime Minister indulges solely in vilifying the Gandhi family, who, he emphasised, sacrificed their lives for the country.
"PM Modi claims to have a '56-inch chest' and boasts 'I won't be scared.' If that's the case, why has he relinquished significant portions of our land to China? While they infiltrate, you're just asleep. Have you swallowed sleeping pills? Have they plucked opium from the fields of Rajasthan and fed it to you?" Kharge said in Hindi as he addressed the rally.
Accusing the Prime Minister of being indifferent to the nation's welfare, Kharge alleged, "He seeks to lead the populace by subjecting them to torture. His modus operandi is deception through and through."
Kharge went on to highlight the irony of PM Modi's rhetoric against dynastic politics, stating that no member of the Gandhi family has held the position of Prime Minister or minister since 1989, as he noted the sacrifices made by members of the Gandhi family for the nation's cause.
Kharge also criticised PM Modi's selective approach to governance, noting his absence from Manipur amid riots despite his extensive domestic and international tours during the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
The rally in Chittorgarh was organised in support of Congress candidate Udai Lal Anjana.
Earlier on Tuesday, Congress veteran and former finance minister P Chidambaram said that during the tenure of the BJP government at the Centre, China has occupied approximately 2000 square kilometres of Indian land and is bolstering its presence in the region.