Congress grills Modi for playing ‘trick or treat” with Meloni
Rahul, Kharge say PM busy in PR amid deepening economic crisis at home
New Delhi: Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have launched a blistering attack on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of indulging in publicity stunts and “optics diplomacy” while India faces deepening economic distress, soaring inflation and growing public suffering.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the criticism erupted after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a video on social media showing Modi presenting her a packet of “Melody” toffees during his Italy visit. The video quickly triggered widespread criticism and ridicule on social media, with opposition leaders terming the episode an embarrassment for Indian diplomacy.
Rahul Gandhi said while farmers, labourers, traders and ordinary citizens were struggling under inflation and economic hardship, Modi was busy making “reels” and distributing candies abroad.
“An economic storm is raging over our heads, and the prime minister is busy handing out candies in Italy. This is not leadership, it is a gimmick,” Rahul Gandhi said.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Modi was using public relations theatrics to divert attention from the economic collapse under BJP rule. “Modiji wants the public to enjoy the ‘melody’ of speeches while surviving the misery of his government’s loot,” Kharge remarked.
Kharge said inflation, unemployment, falling investment, paper leaks and a sinking rupee had pushed millions of Indians into economic despair. He noted that fuel, LPG, food items, medicines and other essentials had witnessed unprecedented price hikes under the Modi regime, while over 80 crore people were surviving on ration support.
The Congress leaders accused the BJP government of protecting billionaire corporate houses while crushing ordinary citizens through heavy taxation and failed economic policies. They said unemployment among youth had reached alarming levels and repeated examination paper leaks had shattered the future of millions of students.
Political commentators and social media users also mocked what they described as Modi’s “toffee diplomacy,” saying the episode exposed the lack of seriousness and maturity in India’s diplomatic conduct under the BJP regime.
