Kalaburagi (Karnataka), March 7 (NationPress) Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge expressed on Saturday that the foreign policy devised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has led to dismissive remarks from high-ranking officials in the US, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This has resulted in India facing significant humiliation on the international stage.

Kharge shared these thoughts during a press interaction at the Ivan-e-Shahi guest house in Kalaburagi district.

“A US Foreign Affairs representative recently stated, ‘we will not permit India to progress,’ and following the impacts of the Iran conflict, India was granted a 30-day allowance to import oil from Russia. Who are they to impose such conditions on India?” Kharge criticized, pointing out the lack of response from Modi, Jaishankar, or any Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader to these statements. “Such comments contribute to India's global humiliation,” he added, while condemning the Modi-led central government.

In response to another question, Kharge recalled a remark from US President Donald Trump, who allegedly said, “If I wish, I can destroy Prime Minister Modi's political future. However, he is my friend, so I will refrain from doing so.”

Kharge noted that even this comment from Trump went unanswered by Modi.

“Why is Modi quiet? Is there something regarding him in the Epstein Files?” the Karnataka Minister questioned, taking a jab at the central administration.

He contrasted Modi's silence with the proactive stance taken by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when the US interfered in Middle Eastern affairs.

“Why doesn’t Modi exhibit similar courage?” he questioned.

Kharge mentioned that BJP leaders, including Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi, frequently reference former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.

“While Prime Minister Modi attends film star weddings and congratulates the cricket team, he lacks the time to assertively address India's foreign policy and its stance on global issues,” Kharge remarked.

When questioned about the increase in domestic LPG cylinder prices, Kharge stated that Union Ministers should clarify the situation.

“Let the BJP explain its ‘masterstroke’ concerning price hikes,” he remarked.

Regarding the conduct of elections in colleges, Minister Kharge indicated that a comprehensive review would be undertaken, factoring in the concerns expressed by students' parents.

He acknowledged that student union elections are conducted in various educational establishments, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

“After reviewing all factors, elections will be held following the regulations that organizations like NSUI and ABVP must accept,” he stated.

In response to a query about the pending provisional list for the recruitment of bill collectors and data operators under gram panchayats, Minister Kharge assured that a decision will be made within the following week.