Nirmala Sitharaman criticized Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the economy and border issues in Parliament, questioning Congress’s past agreements with China. Gandhi countered by highlighting manufacturing declines and asserting Chinese presence in Indian territory. Both leaders exchanged pointed criticisms, illustrating stark political tensions over economic policies and national security.
In a recent Lok Sabha address, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman criticized Rahul Gandhi for his comments regarding the Indian economy and Chinese incursions along the borders. Sitharaman specifically pointed to a 2008 agreement the Congress-led UPA government signed with China, questioning why the party has yet to disclose its contents. She criticized Gandhi’s confidence in addressing these issues, labeling it as “stupid self-confidence” and asserting that the Congress party had left a legacy of mess that the current government has spent years resolving.
Rahul Gandhi, during the debate on the President’s address, highlighted the failures of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and raised concerns about the state of manufacturing in the country, which he said dropped from 15.3% of GDP in 2014 to 12.6% today. Gandhi acknowledged the Prime Minister’s efforts but concluded that the initiative had ultimately failed to produce the desired outcomes. He also emphasized that China has made significant advances over India, particularly criticizing the Prime Minister’s denial of Chinese presence within Indian territory.
Sitharaman defended India’s manufacturing sector by citing progress in smartphone production and questioned Gandhi’s qualifications to speak on economic matters, suggesting that the Congress party lacked credibility in this domain. She stated that the party’s rule left the country in disarray, necessitating years of clean-up by the current administration. “They don’t have the status to talk about economic issues. Rahul is not qualified enough to talk about the economy,” she asserted.
Both leaders have engaged in a critical exchange regarding national security and economic management, highlighting the contentious nature of the current political landscape in India. Their contrasting statements underscore the ongoing debate about the effectiveness of government policies and the issues surrounding border security. Gandhi’s assertions about Chinese aggression were met with strong reactions from the treasury benches, illustrating the politicization of national security issues in parliamentary discussions.
The article discusses a conflict between Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi over China’s actions in Indian territory and the state of the Indian economy. Sitharaman’s criticisms stem from Gandhi’s comments during a parliamentary debate, which questioned the effectiveness of the ‘Make in India’ initiative and raised concerns over Chinese military presence along the borders. This exchange encapsulates the broader political tensions as the leaders publicly contest each other’s credibility and policies relating to national security and economic performance.
In summary, the debate between Nirmala Sitharaman and Rahul Gandhi highlights critical issues in India’s political discourse, particularly regarding economic policy and national security against the backdrop of Chinese territorial claims. Sitharaman’s defense of the government’s actions contrasts sharply with Gandhi’s critiques, framing a contentious dialogue that reflects broader concerns over India’s geopolitical standing and economic strategy.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
