Piyush Goyal Launches Sharp Attack on Rahul Gandhi, Alleges Repeated Compromise of National Interests

New Delhi, Feb 2026 : Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday mounted a strong offensive against Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and the Gandhi family, accusing them of repeatedly compromising India’s national interests and weakening the country for political and ideological reasons.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in the national capital, Goyal alleged that compromise has been a defining feature of Rahul Gandhi’s politics and the Congress party’s functioning. “Rahul Gandhi means compromise. The Gandhi family is fully compromised and is leading a compromised Congress party,” he said, adding that both the past and present record of the Congress, in his view, reflect corruption and concessions made under foreign pressure. According to Goyal, such actions have harmed the country and jeopardised the future of its youth.

The Union Minister accused Rahul Gandhi of practising what he described as “negative politics” and claimed that the Congress leader routinely disregards established diplomatic and security norms during his foreign visits. Goyal alleged that Gandhi has travelled abroad frequently while ignoring the “Yellow Book” protocol, a set of security and conduct guidelines for Indian leaders travelling overseas. He further claimed that such actions compromise official security arrangements and project India in a poor light internationally.

Continuing his attack, Goyal alleged that Rahul Gandhi maintains associations with individuals and organisations that he characterised as anti-national. He referred to Gandhi’s meetings with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, alleging links between her and financier George Soros, whom the BJP has often accused of backing campaigns critical of India. Goyal also claimed that Gandhi’s visits to sensitive border regions such as Ladakh and his interactions with certain foreign individuals undermine India’s strategic interests.

The minister further alleged that Rahul Gandhi associates with people having links to countries such as China and Pakistan, as well as to international organisations that, according to him, seek to destabilise India. Goyal claimed that Gandhi has consistently attempted to weaken India economically and damage its global standing by relying on reports and narratives produced by international investigative groups critical of the government. He alleged that such actions contribute to attempts to harm and destabilise the Indian economy.

According to Goyal, Rahul Gandhi presents what he described as a “cleverly crafted narrative” before domestic and international audiences. He alleged that Gandhi functions as a “puppet of anti-India forces, organisations and governments,” both within and outside Parliament. Goyal also criticised Gandhi’s interactions with the media, claiming that the Congress leader prefers curated press conferences and is intolerant of uncomfortable questions. “Such a person,” Goyal said, “is leading the Congress party.”

The Union Minister went on to accuse Gandhi of “playing with the country” and putting the interests of citizens at risk. Drawing parallels with previous Congress-led governments, Goyal recalled the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, alleging that during that period, Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi exercised extra-constitutional authority. He claimed that key Cabinet decisions were publicly overturned and that governance was effectively run through the National Advisory Council, undermining the authority of the Prime Minister.

Goyal alleged that the Congress leadership during that time disrespected constitutional institutions and imposed ideological agendas on the country. He claimed that Rahul and Sonia Gandhi ran what he described as a “parallel cabinet,” which, according to him, compromised national decision-making and weakened India’s governance framework.

Targeting the legacy of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Goyal referred to the Bofors controversy, alleging that investigations into the case were obstructed to protect close associates. He claimed that efforts were made to halt the Swedish probe into the scandal and suggested that a full and honest investigation was never allowed to proceed.

Goyal also accused former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi of compromising national interests during her tenure. He cited claims from historical records, including the Mitrokhin Archives, alleging that foreign intelligence agencies had influenced Congress politics. According to Goyal, these accounts allege that funds were routed to support the Congress during elections, which he described as a serious compromise of sovereignty.

Referring to the 1971 Shimla Agreement, Goyal questioned decisions taken by the then Congress leadership, particularly the release of a large number of Pakistani prisoners of war without, he claimed, securing India’s long-term strategic interests. He alleged that such decisions reflected a pattern of compromise that, in his view, continues to define the Congress party.

Concluding his remarks, Goyal said that the Congress and the Gandhi family must answer the nation on what he described as repeated compromises of national interest over decades. He asserted that the country has become increasingly aware of these issues and would judge political parties on their commitment to national security, sovereignty and development.