NEW DELHI : In a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, today claimed that the Prime Minister is “all show and no substance” and not a “big problem” for him personally. Speaking at a ‘Bhagidari Nyay Sammelan’ (Participation Justice Conclave) for OBCs at Talkatora Stadium in Delhi, Gandhi asserted that Modi’s image has been inflated by the media.
“He (Modi) is just a big show, he has been given too much importance,” Gandhi stated, in a direct challenge to the perception of Modi’s formidable political stature. He went on to say, “Dum nahin hai” (He doesn’t have guts), as reported by The Economic Times.
Gandhi further elaborated on his personal assessment of the Prime Minister, claiming that his interactions with Modi have demystified him. “Having met Prime Minister Modi two to three times and sitting with him in the same room, I had figured that the Prime Minister was never a ‘big problem’,” Gandhi reportedly said. “You have not met him, I have,” he added, implying that his direct experience offers a more accurate picture than what is generally presented.
The Congress leader intensified his criticism by accusing the media of disproportionately amplifying the Prime Minister’s image. “The media has inflated the Prime Minister’s balloon beyond proportion,” Gandhi was quoted as saying, highlighting his view that a significant part of Modi’s political strength is a media creation.
These remarks come amid heightened political activity and a charged atmosphere as the Congress-led INDIA bloc continues its efforts to consolidate its position against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gandhi’s strategy appears to be a direct attempt to undermine the ‘Modi wave’ narrative that has largely dominated Indian politics over the past decade. By portraying Modi as lacking substance, the Congress aims to shift public discourse and present itself as a more credible and grounded alternative.
During his address, Gandhi also touched upon the alleged underrepresentation of deprived and marginalized communities in India’s bureaucracy and decision-making processes, particularly criticizing the government on issues related to OBCs and a caste census. His comments are part of a broader offensive by the Congress to champion the cause of backward classes and challenge the BJP’s inclusive development claims.
