It is pointless to expect the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to rise above petty partisan politics and show moderation in his comments. In the past, his comments have been used by Pakistan to cast India in a poor light. But even by his standards, the LoP has gone too far this time.
By not only agreeing with US President Donald Trump’s intemperate remarks on Indian economy but going further to run down his country’s financial health, Gandhi has once again shown his unsuitability to a senior position in politics.
“Yes, he (Trump) is right. Everybody knows this except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. Everybody knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy. I am glad that President Trump has stated a fact… The entire world knows that the Indian economy is a dead economy,” the Congress leader told reporters outside the Parliament building.
It would be interesting to know what Mr. Gandhi’s definition of a ‘dead economy’ is. By any parameter, not only is the Indian economy very lively, but its one of the best-performing in the world. But that is, to some extent, beside the point.
The fact is that Rahul Gandhi is occupying a Constitutional position and hence, is expected to stand up for his country, even if that means, at times, speaking in favour of the government. Even if the Indian economy was performing badly – which it is most certainly not – he should be talking it up.
Yet, the veteran of innumerable election defeats decided to run down his own country’s fiscal health. It is not only disappointing but also a clear dereliction of his duty.
The reactions from within the Congress Party itself have shown how out of line the LoP in Lok Sabha was. Shashi Tharoor and Rajiv Shukla, two leaders not known for kowtowing to the first family of Congress, have defended India’s financial health, as has other opposition leaders like Priyanka Chaturvedi.
Rahul Gandhi, on the other hand, seems to be wallowing in frustration which results in absurd comments. This doomsday view of the Indian economy was the cornerstone of Congress’ campaign in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. But that was an internal matter. When you are reacting to a foreign leader’s comments on your country, devotion to the nation should override all other concerns.
Then again, Gandhi has shown that he is incapable of recognizing when to take a side and when to stand up for is country. It is unfortunate that this great nation has to put up with such an inept opposition leader.