Reflecting on the moment that went viral, Rahul Gandhi said that an “economic storm is raging” in the country while the Prime Minister was “busy distributing sweets in Italy”.
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “distributing sweets in Italy” at a time when India was facing an “economic storm”.
His remarks came after Prime Minister Modi gifted ‘Melody’ sweets to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Italy, bringing back the ‘Melody’ phrase associated with the two leaders which gained attention on social media.
Rahul Gandhi slams Modi over ‘Melody’ moment.
In a video shared by Meloni, the Italian leader was heard saying, “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift. It’s Melody,” while displaying a box of Melody chocolates presented by the Prime Minister.
“Thank you for the gift,” Melonie wrote alongside the video. The clip spread on social media.
Reflecting on the moment that went viral, Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X that the “economic storm is raging” in the country while the Prime Minister was “busy distributing sweets in Italy”.
“Farmers, youth, women, workers and small traders are all in tears – the Prime Minister laughs and makes reels, while the BJP applauds. This is not leadership, this is a farce,” he added.
Notably, the term ‘Melody’, which was created by combining the names Modi and Meloni, was first used by the Italian Prime Minister at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai in 2023. It later became popular online after the two leaders were seen sharing friendly moments at international events.
Rahul Gandhi warns of an economic crisis
While addressing the Bahujan Swabhiman Sabha in his Raebareli parliamentary constituency, the Congress leader referred to Modi’s recent appeal asking people to reduce fuel use, limit purchases of gold and avoid traveling abroad, claiming that it indicates a possible sharp rise in the cost of essential commodities.
“Before leaving India and before going to Italy to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the people of India that the economic storm was coming. He said that people should use less gasoline, not buy gold, spend less, and avoid traveling abroad. But just one day later, Narendra Modi boarded a plane worth $“He got 3,000-4,000 crores and went to Italy with sweets in his pocket, where he presented Melody sweets to the Prime Minister there,” he said.
The Congress leader added: “Now look at the kind of ridicule being meted out to the people of this country. There is a petrol shortage, a gas shortage, companies are shutting down, factories are shutting down, inflation is rising, farmers are not getting fertilisers, and the entire industrial system will be shaken.”
He also intensified his criticism of the government over demonetisation and alleged that wealth and public institutions were being transferred to a few select industrialists.
With input from agencies
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