Nirmala Sitharaman dismisses Rahul Gandhi’s ‘economic tsunami’ warning, says it ‘undermines’ India’s achievements | Today’s news

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday hit out at Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi, saying he was “undermining” the achievements of India and its people and “ignoring” the country’s progress and achievements despite major challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and conflict in West Asia.

According to PTI, Sitharaman also claimed that there is no looming crisis in the country, contrary to Rahul Gandhi’s portrayal of the situation after he warned of an “economic tsunami” more than a week ago.

“Every time the leader of the opposition Congress speaks in the Lok Sabha, it is only to condemn everything, to undermine the achievements of the Indian people, thinking that he is undermining Prime Minister Modi or the central government,” she said.

She was speaking to party workers at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Samavesha held in the city to mark 12 years of BJP rule under PM Modi.

According to Sitharaman, Gandhi repeatedly claims that the country is on the verge of collapse within weeks. She said the LoP continues to predict a major crisis but asserted that no such disaster awaits India.

“On the contrary, quarter after quarter, year after year, India is the fastest growing economy,” she said.

She said the claim that India is the world’s fastest growing economy was not only made by the central government but was reflected in the country’s GDP figures. She also noted that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recognized India’s economic growth.

The Union minister further claimed that Rahul Gandhi’s continued attacks could create a misleading impression among the citizens regarding the economic health of the country.

Sitharaman noted, “Yet the Leader of the Opposition and his party continue to undermine India. They are trying to make people believe that India is in trouble. Even in the midst of crises in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, India continues to move forward.”

Highlighting the effects of geopolitical tensions on fuel availability and international trade, Sitharaman said the issues go beyond changes in oil and LPG prices.

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She stated: “These challenges affect not only oil and LPG prices, but also global shipping. Shipping companies hesitate to send vessels through conflict zones. Insurance premiums increase because ships are at risk of attack. Whether the vessel is empty or carrying oil, the cost of insurance increases significantly, and these costs must ultimately be paid to ensure supplies reach the country.”

Despite these global pressures, she claimed, the Modi government has successfully maintained uninterrupted supply throughout the period.

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“Unfortunately, none of this seems to matter to the opposition leader,” Sitharaman mentioned.

Urging BJP workers to spread awareness about the government’s achievements among the public, Sitharaman said the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Samavesh was part of a larger nationwide campaign.

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“India fought for its independence in 1947. It was a great movement – a freedom movement. To achieve economic freedom, self-respect, self-reliance and real Swaraj, we have to work for Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Therefore, this Sankalp Samavesh is a commitment to this movement. All of us must participate in it,” the finance minister said.

She said the BJP’s 12 years in power under Prime Minister Modi had been characterized by a focus on both development and welfare. She pointed to the decline in multidimensional poverty, better access to water connections, wider sanitation coverage, distribution of free LPG connections and the introduction of food security programs as examples.

“Twenty-five million Indians have been lifted out of multidimensional poverty. Extreme poverty has come down from 29.17 percent in 2013-14 to around 11.28 percent. Twelve million household toilets have been built under rural sanitation programmes, achieving near-universal coverage,” Sitharaman said.

Rahul Gandhi’s warning of an ‘economic tsunami’.

Addressing an event organized by the Adivasi Congress at Indira Bhawan attended by tribal leaders from across the country, Gandhi warned on 3 June that an “economic tsunami” was on the horizon and argued that mounting public pressure was pushing the system back.

“On the one hand, a massive economic tsunami is coming, prices are rising and this is just the beginning. India is going to witness an economic crisis like you have never seen in your life. This is happening and no one can stop it. On the other hand, there is an institutional revolt going on in the Indian system… The Election Commission (EC) is fully under control…” said Gandhi.