Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 1: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday criticised Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for echoing US President Donald Trump’s remarks on India’s economy, stating that such comments damage the nation’s image and credibility.

“Rahul Gandhi is not a child. He should understand that statements like these harm the country’s honour. Even members of the Opposition have said this is not right,” said Rijiju, who is also the Parliamentary Affairs Minister.

Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy on Thursday by claiming that everyone — except Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman — knows that India’s economy is "dead." He also accused the BJP-led government of destroying the country's economic, defence, and foreign policies.

“He (Trump) is right. Everyone knows the Indian economy is dead, except the PM and the FM. Are you not aware of it?” Gandhi said, in reference to Trump’s harsh criticism following the announcement of a 25% penalty and import duty on Indian goods.

The BJP lashed out at Gandhi, calling his remarks “shameful” and a betrayal of India’s progress and aspirations. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya hit back, saying, “The only thing truly ‘dead’ is Rahul Gandhi’s political credibility. India remains the fastest-growing major economy despite global challenges.”

The Congress MP also faced disapproval from within his own party. Senior leaders Rajeev Shukla, Shashi Tharoor, and Karti Chidambaram distanced themselves from Trump’s remarks, with Shukla stating that “Trump is living in a delusion” and Tharoor affirming, “We all know it is not the case.”

As the political storm brews, Rijiju reminded the Opposition of its responsibility to uphold the country’s dignity, saying, “It is everyone’s duty to maintain India’s image — especially the Leader of the Opposition.”