Eknath Shinde hits back at Rahul Gandhi, defends PM Modi’s global standing
Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday launched a fiery attack on Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, slamming him for mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy.
Responding to LoP Rahul Gandhi’s recent criticism, he accused the opposition of being unable to tolerate the country’s progress and highlighted the Congress party’s historical record of destabilising governments.
Referring to LoP Rahul Gandhi mocking PM Modi’s foreign policy by hugging Sandeep Dikshit, Shinde questioned whether the LoP should be called a “mimicry artist.”
He said the opposition should take pride in India’s growing global reputation and economic progress.
He emphasised that since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, India’s international prestige has soared.
He noted that over 34 to 35 nations have honoured PM Modi with their highest civilian awards, and strong global relations ensured India faced no energy crisis during global oil shortages.
Hitting back at the opposition’s allegations against the NDA, Shinde levelled sharp historical claims against the Congress rule.
“Those targeting the NDA should look at their own dark history. Between 1967 and 1971 alone, Congress brought down 45 governments, imposed President’s Rule 16 times, poached 1,800 MLAs, and awarded 115 of them minister posts. Before throwing stones at others, Congress must look within,” he remarked.
Shinde criticised opposition actions, including bringing monkeys into the Parliament premises, calling it an insult to democracy.
He alleged that Congress leaders flee from actual debates with Union Home Minister Amit Shah because they fear their past actions will be exposed.
On internal state administration, Shinde said Shiv Sena minister Bharat Gogawale would handle the flag‑hoisting ceremony and assured that the Chief Minister would soon resolve issues over district guardian minister appointments.
–IANS
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