New Delhi, Oct 22 (NationPress) During a special Diwali celebration at the White House, Donald Trump referred to Narendra Modi as “a great person” and expressed his affection for “the people of India.” In response, Congress MP Imran Masood urged the Prime Minister to demonstrate courage by refraining from answering the US President's calls.

In an interview with IANS, Imran Masood remarked, “They keep saying they will impose tariffs… they threaten and intimidate us every day… then they congratulate us, and PM Modi accepts it too. Show your strength for once — like late Indira Gandhi Ji. Say for the sake of the people, ‘I will not take Trump’s call.’ Then we’ll believe our PM is fearless.”

Masood also addressed the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT)'s predictions that festive sales this Diwali would surpass Rs 5 lakh crore, fueled by GST rate reductions and increasing demand. He stated, “I don’t know what data they are looking at… we didn’t see any excitement in the market this time. People didn’t have money, so they stocked up. Goods bought at high GST rates were sold at lower prices. The actual losses will be clear in two months. But at least the collection is done,”

He further commented on PM Modi’s Diwali message to the public, emphasizing that this year’s festival was “particularly special” as lamps would illuminate remote regions once troubled by Naxal and Maoist activities. Modi also discussed next-generation GST reforms and encouraged the adoption of ‘swadeshi’ (indigenous) products.

Masood criticized, “The PM sometimes writes letters, sometimes shares his thoughts… but he doesn’t want to listen to what’s really happening in the country. He has placed us among the most indebted nations in the world. He claims to have achieved what wasn’t done in 70 years — gold prices doubled in one year. Property value increases only with black money in circulation. The PM is a miraculous person — this is his art. You keep creating false narratives. Look where we are now. You've put the country among the world’s most indebted people,”

He also touched on the uncertain alliance situation in Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections, stating, “These things keep happening. There are shortcomings, yes. Nominations have started, and everything will be fine soon.”