Key Highlights:
- Rahul Gandhi criticized the Modi government, stating that ‘Make in India’ has failed and manufacturing has declined.
- He accused India of handing over production to China, claiming most components are imported.
- He linked economic failures to national security, warning that India’s defense relies on Chinese imports.
‘Make in India was a Good Idea, But It Failed’
During the Lok Sabha debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi attacked the Modi government, stating that the ‘Make in India’ initiative had not delivered as promised.
“The Prime Minister proposed the ‘Make in India’ program, I think it was a good idea… The result is right in front of you, manufacturing fell from 15.3% of GDP in 2014 to 12.6% of GDP today, which is the lowest share of manufacturing in 60 years.”
He further stated:
“I am not blaming the Prime Minister. It would not be fair to say that he did not try. I could say that the Prime Minister tried, but he failed.”
‘We Handed Over Production to China’
Gandhi argued that India had failed to build a robust manufacturing base:
“Any country basically organizes two things: consumption and production… But there is more to production than just manufacturing. We have, as a country, failed in organizing production.”
He claimed that despite the rhetoric, India still relies on China for production:
“This mobile phone, even though we say we make it in India, is not a fact. This phone is assembled in India. All the components are made in China… we are paying a tax to China.”
‘China is Inside Our Territory; Army Chief Has Said It’
Gandhi alleged that China had occupied Indian territory:
“Our Chief of Army Staff has said that the Chinese are inside our territory. This is a fact.”
He linked economic policies to national security:
“The reason China is sitting inside this country is because ‘Make in India’ has failed. If and when we fight a war with China, we will be fighting with Chinese electric motors, batteries, and optics.”
‘China is Sitting on 4000 Sq Km of Our Territory’
Making a bold statement, Gandhi asserted:
“The Prime Minister has denied it, but the Army has contradicted him. China is sitting on 4000 sq km of our territory.”
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla demanded evidence for the claim:
“You will have to present the evidence of what you are speaking in the House.”
‘AI is Meaningless Without Data; China Leads by 10 Years’
On artificial intelligence (AI), Gandhi highlighted:
“People talk about AI, but without data, AI means nothing. China owns most of the world’s production data while the US dominates consumption data. China has a 10-year lead over India.”
‘India’s Banking System Must Be Open and Dynamic’
He criticized economic concentration, saying:
“We must ensure that our banking system is not controlled by 2-3 companies that prevent a robust production system.”
He called for a more inclusive banking system to support small and medium businesses.
‘Social Tensions Are Rising in India’
Gandhi linked economic distress to rising social unrest:
“India has to focus completely on production; social tension is on the rise in India.”
‘Same Speech Every Time’
Taking a dig at the President’s address, he remarked:
“I struggled through the President’s address because I had heard the same speech the last time and the time before that.”
‘No Clear Answer on Unemployment’
Gandhi admitted that both Congress and BJP had failed to address unemployment:
“Neither the UPA nor the NDA has given a clear-cut answer to the youth about employment.”
‘Foreign Policy Should Prioritize India’s Technological Growth’
He criticized India’s approach to global diplomacy:
“If we had a strong production system, the American President would come here to invite the Prime Minister, not the other way around.”
‘BJP Was Forced to Bow Before the Constitution’
Gandhi mocked BJP’s ‘400 paar’ claims:
“Before the elections, BJP said they would change the Constitution. But then I saw the Prime Minister bow before it. The Congress ensured that no force will dare touch the Constitution.”
He took a swipe at the RSS:
“Mohan Bhagwat has said that India didn’t get independence in 1947. We will never let their dream of changing the Constitution come true.”
Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have sparked fresh debates on the Modi government’s economic policies, national security, and foreign relations, setting the stage for an intense political battle ahead.
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