Eknath Shinde slams Rahul Gandhi over PM Modi foreign policy jibe
Synopsis
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde didn't just defend Modi's foreign policy — he turned the attack into a history lesson, alleging Congress toppled 45 governments and poached 1,800 MLAs between 1967 and 1971. The broadside, triggered by Rahul Gandhi's diplomatic mockery, reflects how the ruling coalition is framing patriotism and governance credibility as its core electoral identity.
Key Takeaways
Eknath Shinde on 14 August publicly rebuked Rahul Gandhi for mocking PM Modi 's foreign policy.
Shinde cited over 34 to 35 nations honouring Modi with their highest civilian awards as proof of India's global standing.
He alleged Congress between 1967 and 1971 toppled 45 governments , imposed President's Rule 16 times , and poached 1,800 MLAs .
Shinde accused opposition leaders of avoiding debates with Home Minister Amit Shah and of misconduct inside Parliament.
Shiv Sena minister Bharat Gogawale will preside over Maharashtra's Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday, 14 August launched a sharp counter-attack against Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy record and calling the opposition incapable of accepting India's global rise.
The Trigger: Gandhi's Foreign Policy Criticism
Shinde's remarks came in direct response to Gandhi's recent criticism of Modi's diplomatic conduct — including what Shinde described as Gandhi hugging Sandeep Dikshit to ridicule the Prime Minister's foreign policy gestures. Shinde questioned whether the Leader of the Opposition deserved to be called a 'mimicry artist' rather than a serious political voice.
He argued that the opposition should instead take pride in India's expanding global footprint rather than trivialise it for political points.
Modi's Global Standing: Shinde's Case
Shinde highlighted that since Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, India's international stature has grown substantially. He cited that over 34 to 35 nations have conferred their highest civilian honours on the Prime Minister — a figure he presented as evidence of India's diplomatic credibility.
He further noted that robust global relationships shielded India from an energy crisis during periods of acute international oil shortages, a direct benefit, he argued, of Modi's foreign policy architecture.
Congress's 'Dark History': Shinde's Historical Charge
Turning to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) record, Shinde went on the offensive against the Indian National Congress. He alleged that between 1967 and 1971 alone, Congress brought down 45 governments, imposed President's Rule 16 times, poached 1,800 MLAs, and awarded 115 of them ministerial posts.
'Those targeting the NDA should look at their own dark history. Before throwing stones at others, Congress must look within,' Shinde said.
Parliament Conduct and Debate Allegations
Shinde also criticised what he described as opposition misconduct within Parliament, including allegedly bringing monkeys onto the premises — an act he called an insult to democratic institutions. He further alleged that Congress leaders avoid direct debates with Union Home Minister Amit Shah for fear of having their own record exposed.
State Administration Update
On internal Maharashtra matters, Shinde confirmed that Shiv Sena minister Bharat Gogawale would handle the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony. He also assured that the Chief Minister would resolve pending disputes over district guardian minister appointments in due course.
The exchange signals a sharpening of political rhetoric ahead of what is expected to be a charged legislative session.
Point of View
But its deployment here signals that the Mahayuti coalition is leaning hard into governance credibility as its central narrative. Notably, Gandhi's original criticism — whatever its merits — is barely engaged on substance; the counter is almost entirely historical and rhetorical. That pattern suggests the treasury benches are more comfortable fighting on legacy terrain than defending specific foreign policy outcomes.
NationPress
14 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Eknath Shinde attack Rahul Gandhi on 14 August?
Shinde responded to Rahul Gandhi's recent criticism of PM Modi's foreign policy, which included Gandhi allegedly hugging Sandeep Dikshit to mock Modi's diplomatic style. Shinde called the move unbecoming of a Leader of the Opposition and questioned Gandhi's seriousness as a political figure.
What did Shinde say about PM Modi's global standing?
Shinde stated that over 34 to 35 nations have honoured PM Modi with their highest civilian awards since he took office in 2014. He also argued that India's strong global relationships protected the country from an energy crisis during international oil shortages.
What historical allegations did Shinde level against Congress?
Shinde alleged that between 1967 and 1971, Congress toppled 45 governments, imposed President's Rule 16 times, poached 1,800 MLAs, and gave 115 of them ministerial posts. He used these claims to argue that Congress lacks the moral authority to criticise the NDA.
Who will hoist the flag in Maharashtra on Independence Day?
Shiv Sena minister Bharat Gogawale will handle the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony in Maharashtra, according to Shinde. He also said the Chief Minister would soon resolve disputes over district guardian minister appointments.
What did Shinde say about Parliament conduct?
Shinde alleged that opposition members brought monkeys onto Parliament premises, calling it an insult to democracy. He also claimed Congress leaders deliberately avoid debating Home Minister Amit Shah because they fear exposure of their own record.
