Is Rahul Gandhi’s Statement on India’s Economy Justified?

Mumbai, Aug 1 (NationPress) Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde on Friday condemned Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for seemingly supporting US President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that India’s economy is 'dead.'

In an interview with IANS, Hegde remarked, “Currently, India’s economy holds the fourth position globally and is poised to ascend to the third spot shortly. Our economy is dynamic, thriving, and brimming with potential. Just as the US economy stands robust on the global platform, India’s economy is also gaining strength and momentum. Labeling it as ‘dead’ is utterly inaccurate, misleading, and harmful to our nation’s reputation.”

These comments from Hegde arise amid increasing discord among leaders within the INDIA Bloc, many of whom possess contrasting perspectives on the economy and Trump’s remarks.

In response to the Election Commission of India unveiling the draft electoral rolls for Bihar, following a month-long Special Intensive Revision (SIR) ahead of the state’s upcoming Assembly elections, Hegde lauded the process's transparency.

“The Election Commission has initiated a crucial procedure for the Bihar Assembly elections, which involves updating the voter list – adding new names, removing deceased individuals, and rectifying inaccuracies. The final list is anticipated to be published by the week’s end. Every voter can verify or amend their details through the Block Level Agent or the Collector’s Office. This is an essential and commendable step for ensuring electoral integrity,” he stated.

Hegde also addressed the controversy surrounding NCP MLA Manikrao Kokate, who was spotted playing online rummy during the Assembly’s monsoon session. Following public backlash, Kokate was ousted from the Agricultural Ministry and reassigned to the Sports and Youth Welfare Ministry.

Hegde downplayed the action, describing it as a routine administrative adjustment.

“This reshuffle should not be perceived as a punitive measure. Such ministerial changes are standard in governance. The Agriculture Minister has been assigned the Sports portfolio, and vice versa. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar executed these changes to maintain administrative balance within his party’s cabinet,” Hegde explained to IANS.

Commenting on the shocking revelation made by former Maharashtra ATS officer Mehboob Mujawar—who alleged he was instructed to arrest RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat in the 2008 Malegaon blast case but was later falsely implicated for refusal—Hegde called for a thorough investigation.

“The statement made by former ATS officer Mujawar is profoundly alarming and warrants serious scrutiny. If his allegations hold true, it indicates a politically motivated conspiracy during the UPA era aimed at tarnishing the image of the RSS and its leader Mohan Bhagwat, along with Hindu nationalist groups like the BJP, Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal, and VHP. The Congress party intentionally sought to discredit an entire ideology using terms like ‘saffron terrorism’ and ‘Hindu terror’—this is not only misleading but disgraceful,” Hegde stated.