'Let me tell you what shame is': Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi, flags US trade deal & Epstein files
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Rahul Gandhi escalated his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a strong rebuttal, accusing him of overseeing national "shames" tied to the Epstein files, the US trade deal, and the Adani case. Speaking on X, Gandhi linked Modi and his ministers to Jeffrey Epstein’s controversial dealings, calling it a "vile criminal" connection. He also attacked the recently signed India-US trade agreement, alleging that Modi sold out the country by handing over data, ruining farmers, and damaging the textile industry. Additionally, he criticized Modi for inaction on the Gautam Adani indictment in the US, suggesting favoritism toward BJP-affiliated businesses like Adani and Anil Ambani.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly refuted Gandhi’s claims, emphasizing that no official evidence ties Modi to Epstein or the trade deal allegations. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari pointed out that India-US trade has significantly grown under Modi’s leadership, rising from $74 billion in 2014 to over $190 billion today. Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also clarified his limited interactions with Epstein during his tenure in the US, stating they occurred before he joined Modi’s cabinet in 2017 and were already public knowledge.
Gandhi’s accusations come amid heightened political tensions in India, with both sides trading barbs over governance and foreign policy. His comments reflect a broader opposition strategy to challenge Modi’s leadership and highlight issues like data security, farmer welfare, and corporate influence.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026