Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of "undermining" the achievements of India and its people while targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre.
She said Rahul was "ignoring" India's achievements even in the face of major crises like COVID and the conflict in West Asia and clarified that there is no crisis awaiting in the country as is being portrayed by Rahul Gandhi. "Every time the Congress's leader of opposition speaks in the Lok Sabha, it is only to decry everything, undermine the achievements of the people of India, thinking that he is undermining Prime Minister Modi or the central government," she said.
She was addressing the party functionaries during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Samavesha in the city to celebrate the 12 years of the BJP rule in the country under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. According to her, Rahul Gandhi constantly says that everything is going to crumble in the next few weeks. The LoP keeps saying that there is a big disaster awaiting, but there is no disaster awaiting India.
"On the contrary, quarter after quarter, year after year India is the fastest growing economy," she underlined.
She said it is not the central government, which is claiming that India is the fastest-growing economy, but the GDP numbers were indicative of this. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also said India was growing, she added.
The Union minister alleged that repeated criticism by the Congress leader could create a false perception among citizens about the country's economic condition.
"Yet the Leader of the Opposition and his party continue to undermine India. They try to make people believe that India is in trouble. Even amidst crises in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, India continues to move forward."
Explaining the impact of geopolitical tensions on fuel supplies and global trade, Sitharaman said the challenges extended beyond fluctuations in crude oil and LPG prices.
"These challenges affect not only crude oil prices and LPG prices but also global shipping. Shipping companies hesitate to send vessels through conflict zones. Insurance premiums increase because ships risk being attacked. Whether a vessel is empty or carrying crude oil, insurance costs rise significantly, and those costs ultimately have to be paid to ensure supplies reach the country."