NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday took a sharp swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting toffees to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Rome.In a social media post on X, Rahul said the Prime Minister was “laughing and filming reels” while farmers, youth, women, workers and small traders were “in tears” in the country.“An economic storm is brewing over our heads, and our Prime Minister is out in Italy handing out sweets! Farmers, youth, women, workers and small traders are all in tears — the PM is laughing and filming reels, while the BJP lot are clapping along,” Rahul said.“This isn’t leadership, it’s a farce,” he added.Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also upped the ante against PM Modi and said that he wants the public to enjoy the “melody” of speeches while surviving the “misery” of his government’s loot.In a social media post on X, Kharge said,” Modi ji wants the public to enjoy the “melody” of speeches while surviving the “misery” of his government’s loot!”“In the past 11 years, under Modi Govt, the average debt per Indian has increased 11-fold while the wealth of 229 tycoons, along with 26 newly added billionaires, has reportedly crossed Rs 97.50 lakh crore,” Kharge added.He also accused the Centre of triggering an economic crisis marked by rising prices, unemployment and weakening investor confidence.Also Read | Watch: PM Modi’s surprise gift for Giorgia Meloni has a very ‘Melodi’ twistThe Congress leader’s remarks came after PM Modi met Meloni following his arrival in Rome on Tuesday for the final leg of his five-nation tour.During the meeting, PM Modi gifted Meloni a packet of ‘Melody’ toffee.The gesture prompted the Italian leader to post a light-hearted video thanking him for the gift. Sharing the video on X, Meloni wrote: “Thank you for the gift.”Earlier, Meloni had also shared a photograph with Modi on X and wrote, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!” as she greeted him upon arrival in the Italian capital.PM Modi’s Italy visit comes amid growing momentum in bilateral ties under the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which focuses on expanding cooperation in areas including trade, defence, technology, clean energy and connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.Italy marks the final stop of PM Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour, which also included visits to Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.
