Kalaburagi, Feb. 12 -- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the deportations of Indian nationals from the United States who were allegedly living there illegally, and questioned the PM's claims of a 'close relationship' with US President Donald Trump.

Speaking to ANI, Kharge raised concerns about the inhumane treatment of deportees and stressed that India could have instead sent its own flight to bring them home.

"PM Modi has gone there (US), he will talk about it. PM Modi keeps saying that he can solve anything because the US is our friend and things would be solved. People come and go but a nation is permanent. Instead of thinking in favour of the nation, PM Modi keeps saying ...