Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi after the latter’s recent remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s progress. Sarma, a close ally of Modi, has called out Gandhi for what he perceives as an unfair and unpatriotic attempt to undermine India’s development. Sarma’s response was both pointed and direct, marking a significant moment in the ongoing political discourse surrounding India’s growth and international relations.
Rahul Gandhi’s comments were made during a public appearance where he seemingly criticized Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, questioning his approach to India’s development and calling out specific economic and policy decisions. The Congress leader has frequently critiqued Modi’s government, often suggesting that the country’s development has stagnated under his leadership. However, Gandhi’s remarks also included praise for China, which did not sit well with Sarma. According to Sarma, Gandhi’s admiration for China could not have come at a worse time, given the geopolitical tension between India and China over border disputes.
Sarma’s reaction to Gandhi’s comments was swift and harsh. He firmly rebuked the Congress leader, labeling his remarks as not only misleading but also detrimental to India’s image on the global stage. Sarma emphasized that Gandhi’s statements were an insult to the hard work of millions of Indians who have contributed to the country’s progress. The Assam CM pointed out that while the Congress leader had no qualms about praising China, he failed to recognize the immense strides India has made under Modi’s leadership.
In a statement, Sarma made it clear that India’s growth story could not be undermined by baseless criticism from opposition leaders. He reminded Gandhi that under Modi’s leadership, India had witnessed significant economic reforms, infrastructural development, and a stronger global presence. Sarma took particular issue with Gandhi’s apparent disregard for India’s efforts to strengthen its position on the world stage, especially in comparison to China’s aggressive policies.
The Assam Chief Minister also underscored that while Gandhi was quick to criticize India, he ignored the substantial contributions of the Prime Minister in fostering international relations. Sarma highlighted the numerous diplomatic successes Modi had achieved over the years, which included strengthening ties with various countries, expanding trade partnerships, and positioning India as a leader in global forums. Sarma also pointed to India’s growing stature in the fields of technology, defense, and space exploration, all of which had been achieved through the hard work and leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
Sarma further questioned Rahul Gandhi’s credibility and political intentions. He argued that Gandhi’s criticism was part of a broader strategy to downplay the achievements of the Modi government, a tactic he claimed was becoming all too familiar in the opposition’s rhetoric. According to Sarma, Gandhi’s remarks served to fuel negativity and division at a time when the nation needed unity and strength in the face of global challenges.
The Chief Minister made it clear that Rahul Gandhi’s choice to praise China instead of focusing on India’s achievements was a mistake. Sarma stressed that China’s policies and actions, particularly in relation to its border aggressions with India, were a far cry from the democratic values and development goals India had been working toward under Modi’s leadership. He also accused Gandhi of lacking a clear vision for India’s future, criticizing him for opting to criticize the government rather than offering constructive alternatives to the issues facing the country.
Sarma’s scathing remarks reflect the deepening political divide between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress Party. His comments also highlight the growing polarization in Indian politics, where leaders from both sides have been quick to exchange verbal jabs over various national issues. Sarma’s retort is a clear indication that the Assam Chief Minister, and many from Modi’s camp, will not tolerate what they see as unwarranted criticism, especially when it involves comparing India’s progress unfavorably with China’s authoritarian model.
In the coming weeks, this war of words is likely to escalate, with both sides using every opportunity to make their case to the public. Sarma’s challenge to Gandhi is a reminder of the high stakes involved as both the BJP and Congress gear up for the upcoming state and national elections. As the political temperatures rise, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to these high-profile exchanges and whether they will influence the broader narrative on India’s development and its global standing.