Pointing out at the increased attacks on Indians in the United States, M. Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervene by raising the issue with American president Donald John Trump to ensure the safety of Indians living there. He was speaking to media in Kalaburagi on Sunday.
“The Union government should immediately intervene and discuss the matter with the American President on priority to ensure the safety of Indians living in the U.S. Otherwise, it may lead to a war. You [U.S.] are blocking the entry of citizens of other countries. Your hospitals, factories, information technology sector are thriving upon skilled and talented Indians who are settled there for the last several decades. I condemn the attacks on Indians. The Indian government should immediately intervene. Otherwise, it may disturb international peace,” he said.
When asked about senior leader S.M. Krishna and others quitting the Congress, Mr. Kharge said that nothing would happen if a person or two quit the party. “I have seen splits in the party in 1969, 1978 and 1984. Some people quit in 1989 and others in 1992 along with [S.] Bangarappa. Nothing will happen if a couple of people quit the party. Even if I quit, somebody will take my place. But we want everybody to stay in the party, resolving the differences and strengthening it,” he said. “We cannot do anything, if they [Mr. Krishna and others] are determined to quit the party despite our persuasion,” he added.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s participation in booth-level poll campaigns, Mr. Kharge said: “Mr. Modi is participating in small rallies on the streets seeking votes for Assembly elections in a State. What is the need of his participation in street-level campaigns if he could influence people with his speech and get votes for the BJP? He could have simply addressed bigger public meetings and convinced the people with his ideology,” he said.
