PM Modi's Sharp Criticism of Congress Over Gandhi Surname and Startup Culture
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a pointed attack on the Congress party during a recent address, accusing the opposition of appropriating Mahatma Gandhi's Gujarati surname while failing to foster genuine development initiatives. The Prime Minister's remarks have ignited a fresh political controversy, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi responding swiftly on social media platforms.
The Surname Controversy and Startup Critique
In his address, PM Modi specifically targeted the Congress party's historical association with Mahatma Gandhi's legacy. The Prime Minister characterized Congress members as "habitual thieves" who had stolen the Gujarati surname of the Father of the Nation, suggesting the party had capitalized on the Gandhi name without upholding corresponding values. This metaphorical accusation forms part of a broader narrative about political appropriation and legacy in Indian politics.
Beyond the surname controversy, Modi extended his criticism to economic matters, asserting that the Congress had never genuinely promoted startup culture in India. He pointedly remarked that the party had been unable to nurture "their own startup," an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi's political journey and leadership within the Congress organization. This dual critique connects cultural symbolism with economic policy in a comprehensive political assessment.
Rahul Gandhi's Swift Social Media Response
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi responded to the Prime Minister's comments through a post on X (formerly Twitter), questioning the motivation behind the criticism. In his post dated February 5, 2026, Gandhi wrote: "बस सवालों से इतनी घबराहट? मोदी जी सच्चाई से ऐसा डरे, झूठ की शरण ले ली। खैर, जो उचित समझा, वही किया।"
This translates to: "Just so much anxiety from questions? Modi ji is so scared of the truth that he has taken refuge in lies. Anyway, whatever seemed appropriate, that's what was done." The response suggests Gandhi views Modi's criticism as defensive rather than substantive, framing it as avoidance of genuine political discourse.
Political Context and Implications
The exchange highlights several ongoing tensions in Indian politics:
- Legacy Politics: The debate over who rightfully represents Mahatma Gandhi's ideals continues to shape political rhetoric
- Economic Narratives: Startup culture has become a symbolic battleground for contrasting visions of India's economic future
- Personalized Politics: The "startup" reference to Rahul Gandhi reflects how political leadership is increasingly framed through entrepreneurial metaphors
- Social Media Diplomacy: Political exchanges now routinely occur through platforms like X, allowing for immediate, unfiltered responses
This incident follows a pattern of heated exchanges between the ruling BJP and opposition Congress, particularly as both parties position themselves ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. The Gandhi surname has long been central to Congress identity, making Modi's criticism particularly pointed in its symbolic targeting.
Political analysts suggest such exchanges reflect deeper ideological divides about national identity, economic development, and political legacy in contemporary India. As both sides mobilize their respective support bases, historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi become contested symbols in ongoing political narratives.
