A war of words has erupted between the Congress and the BJP after a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, surfaced online.
Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, launched an attack on Wednesday, targeting the Prime Minister over rising fuel prices, India’s economic challenges, and his interactions with Meloni. He alleged that the government is downplaying serious economic concerns.
While addressing party workers in Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi alluded to the viral “Melodi” trend involving PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni, and accused the Central Government of ignoring an impending economic crisis.
According to ANI, Gandhi stated, “Modi ji takes ‘Melodi’ toffees for Meloni… The time for weeping is coming again.”
His remarks came during PM Modi’s visit to Italy, where he met with Giorgia Meloni in Rome. During this visit, PM Modi gifted Meloni a set of “Melodi” toffees, thereby bringing the popular “Melodi” social media trend—associated with the two leaders—back into the spotlight.
Gandhi alleged that India is heading towards a severe economic crisis, attributing the situation to rising global tensions and the BJP government’s management of the economy.
“Now, an economic storm is brewing—a storm unlike any India has ever witnessed before,” he said. “The Strait of Hormuz has been shut down. Yet, they claim there is no shortage of petrol… The BJP folks mock me.”
He further added, “They are eating toffees with Meloni and making videos—acting as if this is all just a joke—only to return later with folded hands.” Lashing out at the Prime Minister on social media as well, the Congress leader stated that an economic storm is raging, yet Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Italy, handing out candies.
“This is not leadership; it is a charade,” Gandhi remarked.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s comments, the BJP asserted that they reflect the mindset of the Congress party. “Such remarks expose the true nature of the Congress party. They portray themselves as a ‘Shop of Love’ (Mohabbat Ki Dukaan), but in reality, they engage in abuse. They have hurled insults at Prime Minister Modi and his mother, making derogatory remarks against them. Today, once again, Rahul Gandhi made comments regarding Prime Minister Modi’s role in international relations—comments that reveal his own moral values,” said BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla.
He further noted that PM Modi’s foreign visits are an integral part of diplomatic outreach—arrangements for which are handled by the host nations—and that the Prime Minister consistently returns with significant achievements for India.
“It was only leaders from his (Rahul Gandhi’s) own family who used to go abroad and sell out our national interests. Consequently, he assumes that everyone else does the same,” the BJP leader told CNN-News18, adding that diplomacy inherently involves courteous gestures.
The visible camaraderie between PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni serves as a reflection of the deepening ties between India and Italy, as well as the country’s growing stature within Europe.