Amit Shah accuses Rahul Gandhi of tarnishing India’s image at international summit

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of making “anti-India” remarks at an international conference, alleging that he was attempting to damage the country’s reputation out of frustration over repeated electoral defeats.

Speaking at the ‘bhoomi pujan’ ceremony of the NHEC Multi-State Cooperative Society and the launch of ‘Bharat Taxi’ in Pune, Shah referred to the Bharat Summit 2026 held in Hyderabad. He alleged that the Congress had invited Left-wing propagandists from across the world and that Gandhi had used the platform to express views against India.

“Rahul Gandhi is venting his frustration over continuous electoral defeats by making ‘anti-India’ statements at international conferences,” Shah said.

The Home Minister argued that electoral success required political leaders to work at the grassroots level and connect with people in villages, rather than travel abroad and allegedly defame India’s development journey.

Shah contrasts UPA and Modi governments

Shah also compared the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government with the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) administration.

He said the Congress had been given 10 years in power, during which scams worth Rs 12 lakh crore had taken place. In contrast, he claimed that no corruption allegation had been levelled against Prime Minister Modi in the past 12 years.

Listing the achievements of the Modi government, Shah referred to progress in agriculture and industry, India’s landing near the Moon’s South Pole, the expansion of the start-up ecosystem and the revival of the Railways.

He also cited the increase in the number of airports from 76 to 150, the development of the world’s largest Metro network, the National Education Policy and the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation.

Warns Congress of another 30 years in Opposition

Shah warned Congress workers that continuing to follow Rahul Gandhi’s approach of criticising India’s development story on international platforms could keep the party out of power for another 30 years.

He questioned whether any political party, whether in government or in the Opposition, should use an international summit to malign India and its Prime Minister. He said this was a question being raised by people across the country.

Urging Gandhi to focus on grassroots politics, Shah asked him to visit villages and engage with people. He, however, remarked that the Congress leader was likely to undertake another foreign tour instead.

The Home Minister also appealed to voters to give a befitting reply to such attempts in the upcoming elections.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister of State for Cooperation and Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, Rajya Sabha MP Sunetra Pawar and other senior leaders were present at the event.

(with IANS inputs)