Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, has strongly criticised Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of attempting to tarnish India’s image and create unnecessary panic among citizens.
Responding to Gandhi’s concerns over the weakening rupee and rising industrial fuel prices, Fadnavis said that the global economy is currently facing challenges due to ongoing international conflicts, but India has managed the situation effectively.
He stated that despite geopolitical tensions affecting several countries, the Government of India has ensured that daily life for ordinary citizens remains stable. Fadnavis also pointed out that unlike nations such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka, where economic difficulties have caused shortages and disruptions, India continues to function normally.
Earlier, Gandhi had expressed concern over the rupee touching a record low against the US dollar and warned that increasing fuel prices could trigger a fresh round of inflation. He said the rising cost of industrial fuel would likely push up household expenses and criticised the central government, alleging it lacked a clear strategy to address the issue.
In response, Fadnavis said persistent criticism of India’s economic situation is one of the reasons people have lost faith in Gandhi. He alleged that Gandhi frequently attempts to portray the country negatively, adding that such remarks do not represent the actual condition of the economy.
Fadnavis also reacted to recent comments by Mamata Banerjee, who had described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the “biggest infiltrator.” Rejecting the statement, Fadnavis claimed the remarks were politically motivated and linked them to electoral pressure ahead of upcoming polls. He suggested that such comments should not be taken seriously.