Never Disparage India: Rijiju Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi Using Elon Musk's Post

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Sunday cited remarks by Tesla CEO Elon Musk to counter Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, urging him not to “disparage India” while criticising the BJP-led government over the economy and the Union Budget 2026–27.

The political exchange followed Musk’s reaction to a global statistics post that projected India as the second-largest contributor to global GDP growth in 2026, according to IMF data. Sharing the figures on X, Musk wrote, “The balance of power is changing,” highlighting that China and India together are expected to account for 43.6% of global growth.

Responding to the post, Rijiju said he was quoting Musk only to underline India’s economic achievements and not to elevate foreign commentary over domestic debate.
“I normally do not react to statements that are not made by Indians. I'm quoting @elonmusk only to sensitise Rahul Gandhi ji that, while criticising the govt is a democratic right, do not disparage India & never belittle India’s achievement. Be a proud Indian,” Rijiju posted.

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Rijiju’s remarks came amid continued criticism by Rahul Gandhi of the government’s economic management. The Congress leader has repeatedly targeted the BJP over growth, employment, and investment trends, including reiterating his controversial “dead economy” remark and raising fresh objections after the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27.

The Musk-shared post ranked India’s projected contribution to global GDP growth at 17%, placing it ahead of the United States at 9.9%. China topped the list with 26.6%, while countries such as Indonesia and Germany were projected at 3.8% and 0.9%, respectively. The data also noted that the Asia-Pacific region would account for nearly half of total global growth in 2026.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also referenced Musk’s remarks while speaking at the Youth Dialogue on Budget 2026, citing IMF data to highlight India’s growing economic weight.
“Elon Musk takes the IMF data to say, ‘Is this true?’ China contributes 26% of growth in global GDP, and India contributes 17%. Together, 43% of global GDP growth comes from these two economies,” she said, adding that India’s opposition should recognise the country’s rising global stature.

Sitharaman noted that while the gap between India and China remains significant, it can be bridged over time. She added that the data reflects the economic strength India has acquired in recent years.

Rahul Gandhi, however, maintained his criticism following the budget’s presentation. In a post on X, he listed what he described as ignored issues, including unemployment, falling manufacturing output, declining household savings, farmer distress, and looming global shocks. “A budget that refuses course correction, blind to India’s real crises,” he wrote.

The Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Sitharaman on Sunday, marked her ninth consecutive budget. The government described it as a reform-orientated roadmap for the second quarter of the 21st century, with a continued focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the budget would further strengthen India’s global position, reiterating the government’s ambition to make India the world’s third-largest economy at the earliest.

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