After Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a pack of Melody toffees to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, sparking a frenzy on social media, Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday tore into the government, accusing it of being completely detached from the harsh economic realities faced by everyday Indians.
Taking to X, Gandhi alleged that while the country is facing economic distress, the prime minister, on a high-profile diplomatic visit to Italy, is distributing toffees.
Gandhi alleged that while youth, women, farmers, labourers, and small business owners are struggling to survive at home, the country's top leadership remains engrossed in public relations exercises.
Taking a sharp dig at the prime minister, Gandhi said, "An economic storm is brewing over our heads, and our Prime Minister is handing over toffees in Italy."
"Farmers, youth, women, labourers, and small traders are all weeping--the PM is smiling and making Reels, while BJP members are clapping. This is not leadership; this is a theatrical gimmick," Gandhi added.
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On Wednesday, the Italian PM shared a post on X, thanking PM Modi for the gift as they laughed over the cheerful internet trend. Melody is a term often used on the internet to highlight the good friendship between PM Modi and Meloni.
Rahul calls PM Modi traitor
Earlier in the day, Gandhi targeted PM Modi for taking on a foreign visit soon after announcing austerity measures amid rising inflation and fuel price hikes. Gandhi also accused him of selling off "India's economic system".
Addressing the gathering at a 'Bahujan Swabhiman Sabha' in Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli, Gandhi stirred a fresh row, calling PM Modi a traitor.
He said, "When these RSS workers come before you and speak about Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, you should tell them to their face that your Prime Minister is a traitor, your Home Minister is a traitor…Your organisation is traitorous. You have worked to sell out India," Gandhi was quoted as saying by News18.