Rahul Gandhi Criticises PM Modi Over “Melodi” Moment and Economic Situation

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, taking a sharp dig at his recent visit to Italy and the viral “Melodi” moment involving Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Gandhi alleged that while India faces economic pressures, the Prime Minister was engaged in symbolic gestures abroad.

His remarks came after a video shared by Giorgia Meloni showed Prime Minister Modi presenting “Melody” toffees during their meeting. The clip, which quickly went viral on social media, showed Meloni acknowledging the gift and thanking the Indian Prime Minister, further fuelling online discussions around the “Melodi” phrase that has previously trended due to their interactions at global forums.

Reacting to the moment, Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X that an “economic storm is raging” in the country while the Prime Minister was “busy handing out toffee in Italy.” He accused the government of being disconnected from domestic economic challenges, claiming that several sections of society, including farmers, youth, women, labourers, and small traders, were facing hardship.

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Speaking at a “Bahujan Swabhiman Sabha” in Raebareli, his parliamentary constituency, Gandhi also referenced the Prime Minister’s earlier public remarks advising citizens to reduce fuel consumption, limit luxury purchases such as gold, and avoid foreign travel. He suggested that these statements indicated concerns over rising costs of essential goods and broader economic stress.

Gandhi further criticised the contrast between such domestic advice and the Prime Minister’s overseas engagements, pointing to his recent visit to Italy aboard a high-cost official aircraft while carrying the confectionery gift. He argued that this contrast reflected a disconnect between governance messaging and public economic realities.

The “Melodi” phrase, a portmanteau of Modi and Meloni, first gained attention during their interaction at COP28 in Dubai in 2023 and has since reappeared in social media discourse following their recent meetings. The latest exchange has once again triggered political debate and online commentary around diplomatic optics and domestic economic concerns.

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