Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the Union Budget reflects “intellectual exhaustion” and has failed to inspire confidence among markets and investors.
In a post on X, Ramesh said the Prime Minister’s recent interview to a news agency was aimed at controlling the narrative following criticism from the Opposition and subdued market sentiment.
“The PM knows that this year’s Budget has been a damp squib and shows every sign of intellectual exhaustion. Markets have reacted negatively and investors have been unimpressed,” Ramesh wrote.
He added that Modi “felt the need to give an interview a fortnight after the Budget was presented and a few days after it was taken apart by the Opposition in Parliament.”
Earlier, Modi defended the Budget in his interview, stating that it was not a “‘now or never’ moment born out of compulsion” but a “‘we are ready’ moment born out of preparation and inspiration.”
However, Ramesh dismissed the interaction as stage-managed. “His so-called interview is no interview, but a carefully scripted and desperate PR exercise,” he said, accusing the Prime Minister of relying on “one-liners that mean little in reality.”
The Congress general secretary also criticised the government’s approach to the proposed trade deal with the United States, alleging that it amounted to a “betrayal” of farmers. He further claimed that the Prime Minister was attempting to divert attention from key economic concerns through media outreach.
“Under siege and attack because of his surrender to the US on the trade deal, the Prime Minister is now resorting to his favourite tactic of headline management,” Ramesh said.
In a pointed Hindi remark, he added, “Pradhan Mantri jhuke bhi hain aur thake bhi hain,” suggesting that the Prime Minister has both “bowed down and grown weary.”
The exchange comes amid intensified political sparring between the ruling BJP and Opposition parties over the Union Budget and the government’s economic policies. While critics have questioned its ability to address unemployment, rural distress, and inflation, the government has maintained that the Budget lays a strong foundation for sustained economic growth and fiscal stability.
