U.S. President Donald Trump is once again in the headlines due to his controversial statements. This time, he has stirred up a new controversy by calling India's economy a "dead economy."
New Delhi: A massive political uproar has erupted in the country after U.S. President Donald Trump termed India's economy a "Dead Economy." However, this time, it is not the central government but Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who is at the center of the opposition's attacks. By agreeing with Trump's controversial statement, Rahul Gandhi has come under fire not only from the BJP but also from senior leaders within his own party.
What is Trump's comment?
Donald Trump, while criticizing trade relations between India and Russia, described India's economy as "dead." He also threatened to impose a 25% tariff on India and economic penalties for trading with Russia. Although this tariff has been postponed for a week, the words "Dead Economy" have created a stir in political circles.
Responding to this statement, Rahul Gandhi said: "India's economy is dead. There's nothing to be shocked about if someone says that." He termed it a failure of the government's economic, foreign, and defense policies. However, this reaction from Rahul has now become a headache for his own party.
Opposition rises from within Congress itself
Senior Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor and Rajiv Shukla have expressed their disagreement with Rahul Gandhi's statement.
Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament from Kerala, said:
"Trade negotiations between India and the United States are challenging, but the U.S. is not the only country. We are also making agreements with the European Union, the UK, and other countries. If the U.S. exerts pressure, we will have to diversify our markets. We have a b domestic market, and we are not entirely dependent on exports like China."
Tharoor clarified that India does not need to bow to any unfair demands from the United States.
Rajiv Shukla: India's economy is not 'dead'
Former Union Minister Rajiv Shukla described Trump's comment as "based on lies and delusion." He said:
"India's economy is b. Leaders like PV Narasimha Rao, Manmohan Singh, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation for economic reforms. The current government has also made some economic progress. Trump's comment is completely wrong."
Shukla also said that India does not need anyone's direction on whom it should trade with.
Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena-UBT): 'Trump's comment is arrogant'
Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said:
"India is among the top 5 economies in the world and is one of the fastest-growing economies. By calling it a 'Dead Economy,' Trump has either shown ignorance or arrogance."
Annamalai (BJP): 'Rahul is busy pleasing foreign powers'
K. Annamalai, former Tamil Nadu BJP President, said:
"One of the two Congress leaders spoke in the interest of India, and the other is making a statement to please foreign masters. Rahul Gandhi always tries to weaken India's positive image. He wears ignorance with pride."
Rahul Gandhi's comment may have been made under a political strategy to question the government's policies. But it has not only caused him to face criticism from the opposition, but also brought ideological differences within his own party to the fore.
