PM busy ‘handing out toffee’ while ‘economic storm is raging’: Rahul Gandhi slams Mod
PM busy ‘handing out toffee’ while ‘economic storm is raging’: Rahul Gandhi slams Modi over ‘Melodi’ moment
M.U.H
20/05/202632
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over “handing out toffee in Italy” at a time when India was facing an “economic storm”.
His remarks came after PM Modi gifted 'Melody' toffees to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Italy, bringing back the "Melodi" phrase linked to the two leaders that had gained attention on social media.
Rahul Gandhi slams Modi over ‘Melodi’ moment
In a video shared by Meloni, the Italian leader is heard saying, “PM Modi brought us a gift. It is Melody,” while showing a packet of Melody chocolates presented by the Prime Minister.
Meloni wrote alongside the video, “Thank you for the gift.” The clip went viral on social media.
Taking a dig at the viral moment, Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X that an “economic storm is raging” in the country while the prime minister was “busy handing out toffee in Italy”.
“Farmers, youth, women, laborers, and small traders are all in tears - the PM is laughing and making reels, while the BJP folks are clapping along. This isn't leadership, it's a farce,” he added.
Notably, the term "Melodi", created by combining the names Modi and Meloni, was first used by the Italian Prime Minister at COP28 in Dubai in 2023. It later became popular online after the two leaders were seen sharing friendly moments at international events.
Rahul Gandhi warns of economic crisis
While addressing a 'Bahujan Swabhiman Sabha' in Raebareli, his parliamentary constituency, the Congress leader referred to Modi's recent appeal asking people to reduce fuel use, limit gold purchases and avoid foreign travel, claiming it pointed towards a possible sharp rise in the cost of essential goods.
“Before leaving India and before going to Italy to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the people of India that an economic storm was coming. He said people should use less petrol, not buy gold, spend less and avoid travelling abroad. But just a day later, Narendra Modi boarded an aircraft worth ₹3,000–4,000 crore and went to Italy carrying toffees in his pocket, where he offered Melody toffee to the Prime Minister there,” he said.
“Now look at what kind of mockery is being made of the people of this country. There is a shortage of petrol, a shortage of gas, businesses are shutting down, factories are closing, inflation is rising, farmers are not getting fertiliser, and the entire industrial system will be shaken," the Congress leader added.
He also stepped up his criticism of the government over demonetisation and alleged that public wealth and institutions were being transferred to a few selected industrialists.
