Senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan courted controversy on Monday after making an unusual comparison between India and Venezuela while criticising US trade policy. Referring to the recent US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, Chavan questioned whether such actions could ever be directed at India.
Raising concerns over US pressure tactics, he asked, “The question then is: what next? Will something like what happened in Venezuela happen in India? Will Mr Trump kidnap our prime minister?"
His remarks came in the context of proposed US tariffs on Indian goods.
Criticism of US Tariffs on India
Chavan argued that a proposed 50 per cent tariff by the US would severely damage trade ties between the two countries. According to him, such tariffs would effectively block Indian exports to the American market.
“Since a direct ban cannot be imposed, tariffs have been used as a tool to stop trade. India will have to bear this. The profits that our people earlier earned from exports to the US will no longer be available. We will have to look for alternative markets and efforts in that direction are already underway," he said.
He warned that Indian exporters would suffer losses and stressed the need to find new global markets.
BJP Hits Back Strongly
The BJP reacted swiftly and strongly to Chavan’s comments. The ruling party accused the Congress of questioning India’s sovereignty and inviting foreign interference.
BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took to X and wrote, “CONGRESS SINKS TO NEW LOW EVERYDAY. Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan shamelessly comparing India’s situation with Venezuela. By asking whether ‘what happened in Venezuela can happen in India’, Congress is making its anti-India mindset clear. Rahul Gandhi wants chaos in Bharat. Rahul Gandhi is seeking foreign intervention in Bharat’s affairs!"
The BJP said such remarks were irresponsible and damaging to India’s global standing.
Kharge Steps Up Attack on Modi
Chavan’s statement came a day after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge intensified his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He referred to comments made by Donald Trump on India’s purchase of Russian oil. “I do not understand why Modi is bending before him. This is harmful for the nation," Kharge said.
He added, “You were not elected as prime minister to nod to whatever he says."
Warning Against Expansionism
Kharge also cited developments in Venezuela to warn against what he described as aggressive global behaviour by powerful leaders.
“Whoever attempts expansionism does not continue for long. People like Hitler and Mussolini are gone. It is not right that several people who harbour ill thoughts try to disrupt global peace," he said.