Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday asserted that everyone except Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is aware that the Indian economy is "dead". He accused the BJP-led government of having dismantled the country’s economic, defence, and foreign policies.

While addressing reporters within the Parliament House complex, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha also suggested that a trade deal with the United States is imminent and that former US President Donald Trump would dictate its terms. He alleged that Prime Minister Modi would simply follow Trump’s instructions.

Trump's criticism of Indian economy

Gandhi’s comments followed Donald Trump’s announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on India, where the former US President also labelled India and Russia as "dead economies".

When asked about Trump’s remark, Gandhi responded: "He is right, everybody knows this except the prime minister and the finance minister. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. I am glad that President Trump has stated a fact."

Allegations against BJP and Adani

Gandhi further alleged that the BJP had deliberately destroyed India’s economy to benefit billionaire Gautam Adani. He cited how the External Affairs Minister gave a speech about India’s genius foreign policy, but the current government does not know how to run the country. “On one hand, the US is abusing you and on the other hand China is after, and thirdly when you send delegations across the globe then no country condemns Pakistan. How are they running the country? They don't know how to run the country," Gandhi said.

Critique of Modi’s silence on Trump and China

Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s address in the Lok Sabha earlier this week, Gandhi criticised the PM for not mentioning either Trump or China."He (Modi) did not say that no country condemned Pakistan. Trump is having lunch with Pakistan military chief who was behind the Pahalgam attack, and they are saying there has been a big success. What success is this?" he asked.

Recalling how the PM made repeated claims about the India-Pak ceasefire, Rahul highlighted Trump’s assertion that the US mediated the peace talks. "Trump said five planes of India were downed, he is now saying I will put a 25 per cent tariff. Did you ask why Modi is not able to answer, what is the reason? Who has the control?" he continued.

Policies "Destroyed", Nation "Run Into the Ground"

Gandhi reiterated that India’s core policies—economic, defence, and foreign—have been “destroyed” by the Modi administration."They are running this country into the ground. The prime minister works only for one person – Adani. All small businesses have been wiped out," he said.

India-US trade deal: Trump will decide

Gandhi also commented on the ongoing India-US trade negotiations, predicting Trump’s dominance over the agreement’s terms. "Modi will do what Trump tells him to do," he said.

Rahul took to social media to express criticism

Later in a post on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, Gandhi listed a few pointers as to how he believed Trump's policies had crushed the economy.

 

 

"THE INDIAN ECONOMY IS DEAD. Modi killed it.

  1. Adani-Modi partnership.
  2. Demonetisation and a flawed GST
  3. Failed 'Assemble in India'
  4. MSMEs wiped out
  5. Farmers crushed

He went on to allege that Prime Minister Modi has jeopardised the future of India’s youth by failing to create employment opportunities.