Mon Feb 23 22:29:08 UTC 2026: ### Modi-Gandhi Clash Escalates Over India AI Summit Protest, US Trade Deal, and Epstein Allegations

The Story:
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress party for allegedly politicizing the India AI Impact Summit following a Youth Congress protest, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, retaliated with a series of accusations. Gandhi alleged that Modi is preoccupied with potential repercussions from the legal case against industrialist Gautam Adani in the US. He also attacked the India-US trade deal, claiming it was detrimental to India’s interests and accused Modi’s government of “selling” the country to the US. Furthermore, Gandhi raised concerns about alleged connections between Modi’s associates and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Gandhi linked the Prime Minister’s absence from Parliament during the Budget Session to both the Epstein files and the Adani case. The BJP has vehemently denied these accusations, with spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari dismissing Gandhi as an “anti-India liar” and asserting the growth of India-US trade under Modi’s leadership.

Key Points:

  • Rahul Gandhi accused Narendra Modi of being preoccupied with the Adani case in the US.
  • Gandhi claimed the India-US trade deal was unfavorable to India, alleging the country was “sold” to the US.
  • Gandhi raised concerns about potential links between Modi’s associates and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
  • Pradeep Bhandari, BJP spokesperson, refuted Gandhi’s claims, labeling him an “anti-India liar.”
  • Bhandari highlighted the growth of India-US trade under the Modi administration.

Critical Analysis:
This event series underscores the increasingly polarized political climate in India. Rahul Gandhi’s aggressive accusations suggest a strategic effort to undermine the Modi government’s credibility on multiple fronts: economic policy, international relations, and ethical conduct. The timing of these accusations, following the India AI Impact Summit protest, indicates a coordinated attempt to capitalize on perceived vulnerabilities and amplify dissenting voices.

Key Takeaways:

  • The political rivalry between Modi and Gandhi continues to intensify, marked by personal attacks and serious allegations.
  • The India-US trade relationship is becoming a point of contention, with the opposition questioning its benefits for India.
  • The surfacing of the Epstein scandal in Indian politics introduces a potentially damaging element with uncertain repercussions.
  • The Adani case remains a sensitive issue, providing ammunition for the opposition to attack the government’s economic policies.

Impact Analysis:
The Modi-Gandhi clash is likely to further deepen political divisions in India. The accusations surrounding the India-US trade deal could influence public opinion and potentially impact future trade negotiations. The Epstein allegations, if substantiated, could have significant long-term consequences for the Modi government’s reputation. This event series could influence voter sentiment and potentially affect the outcome of future elections.

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