The article emphasizes that comparing Rahul Gandhi’s criticisms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Modi’s own criticisms of Congress is misleading for several reasons. Firstly, it notes that Rahul Gandhi has been a vocal critic of Modi since 2014, but his criticisms sometimes extend to disparaging India, such as claiming “India was not a fair country” and suggesting that Sikhs are not allowed to wear turbans in India. These remarks, the article argues, go beyond political rivalry and harm India’s image.
Secondly, it argues that Modi’s criticisms of Congress are typically framed around the economic damage caused by Congress policies prior to 2014, rather than attacking India as a nation. The article asserts that the Modi government inherited significant economic challenges from Congress, such as high inflation, policy paralysis, and slow GDP growth, which justified his critiques of Congress’s governance.
Thirdly, the article criticizes Rahul’s tendency to make unsubstantiated claims during his official foreign visits and his interactions with controversial figures, which can undermine his credibility and position as a leader. For example, his praise for China’s productivity was paired with claims about territorial losses to China, without acknowledging historical losses under Congress leadership, specifically Nehru’s loss of Aksai Chin.
The article concludes by stating that while Modi is not without faults, his achievements in economic reform, infrastructure, and social welfare over his tenure surpass the Congress’s record during its decades in power. It contends that Rahul’s criticisms cross a line when they involve attacking India’s integrity, rather than just targeting Modi’s policies, thus questioning his suitability for high public office.