Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, referencing the viral 'Melodi' moment and accusing the government of failing to build a protective wall to safeguard the economy.
Rahul Gandhi's Remarks
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Gandhi said, 'Stop giving toffees, start taking action.' He was referring to a widely circulated video where PM Modi appeared to hand a toffee to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a bilateral meeting. The moment, dubbed 'Melodi' on social media, has been used by the opposition to question the government's priorities.
Economic Concerns
Gandhi further criticized the government's economic policies, stating that the BJP-led administration had failed to create a protective wall for the economy amid global uncertainties. 'The BJP leaders make fun of me when I say these things, but the facts speak for themselves,' he added, pointing to rising inflation and unemployment figures.
Political Reactions
The BJP dismissed Gandhi's comments as baseless. Party spokesperson Sambit Patra said, 'Rahul Gandhi should focus on his own party's internal issues rather than making frivolous allegations.' The viral 'Melodi' moment has sparked a war of words between the ruling party and the opposition, with both sides using it to score political points.
Background
The video of PM Modi handing a toffee to Meloni went viral on social media platforms earlier this week, drawing mixed reactions. While supporters saw it as a gesture of warmth, critics argued it trivialized serious diplomatic engagements. Gandhi's latest salvo is part of a broader opposition campaign to corner the government on economic issues ahead of the upcoming state elections.
