New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's support for US President Donald Trump's assertion that the Indian economy is dead has sparked significant backlash from the Shiv Sena (UBT), a vital ally of the Congress in Maharashtra, as well as the INDIA coalition.

In response to Gandhi's harsh critique of the government's economic management, SS (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi stated on Thursday, "To label it a dead economy stems purely from arrogance or ignorance," indicating the strained relationships within the INDIA alliance.

Chaturvedi's strong rebuttal to Gandhi's remarks underscores the widening gap between the alliance partners of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in Maharashtra - SS (UBT) and Congress, who have recently grown increasingly wary of each other, particularly regarding the collaboration of the Thackeray brothers.

Additionally, the SS(UBT) MP's commendation of the Modi administration for its economic progress has left political analysts bewildered.

On the social media platform X, Priyanka Chaturvedi remarked, "There is ample legitimate data available to demonstrate that the Indian economy ranks among the top five globally, being one of the fastest-growing economies."

She acknowledged that the government needs to tackle economic challenges such as wealth disparity and unemployment; however, these issues do not signify a dead economy.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, addressing reporters outside Parliament, reiterated his endorsement of Trump's comments, claiming the Indian economy is dead due to the lack of jobs and employment opportunities.

"He is correct; everyone knows this except the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister. I appreciate President Trump's acknowledgment of the truth," Rahul Gandhi stated when asked about Trump's vague assessment of the Indian economy.

Taking jabs at Gandhi's endorsement of Trump, who remarked that 'India and Russia can let their dead economies collapse together', she termed it a "Trump'ed up" (fabricated) statement.

Notably, Trump stirred controversy on Thursday by ridiculing both India and Russia regarding business relations, stating on his Truth Social platform, "I don't care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care. We have conducted very little business with India; their tariffs are excessively high, among the highest globally. Similarly, Russia and the USA engage in almost no business together. Let's maintain that status."