Sparks flew in New Delhi as Congress leader Udit Raj ridiculed the Centre’s celebration of a US waiver for importing Russian oil. Sarcasm dripping, he proclaimed former President Trump as India’s de facto boss, criticizing the episode as surrender of strategic autonomy.
The limited exemption navigates sanctions but ties India’s hands, according to Raj. He slammed the dynamic where a foreign government vetoes energy deals, insisting such capitulation undermines India’s global standing.
Raj connected dots to domestic maneuvers, decrying Bengal governor’s resignation and Nitish Kumar’s forced Rajya Sabha move. ‘BJP treats heavyweights like pawns,’ he said, alleging pressure tactics to dismantle opposition within ranks.
Quoting unnamed sources, Raj detailed center’s blunt ‘when are you leaving?’ ultimatum, calling foul on supposed prior pacts and labeling it undemocratic bullying.
Recounting Bihar 2020, he accused BJP of duplicity: formal JD(U) tie-up masked covert boosts to Chirag Paswan’s LJP, which split votes on purpose to hobble Nitish’s machine.
With alliances fraying and external influences looming, Raj’s critique resonates amid broader concerns over governance, federal balance, and India’s multipolar foreign policy. The coming months could test NDA resilience.