'Busy handing out toffees in Italy': Rahul criticises PM Modi over viral 'Melody' moment amid 'economic storm' in India

"An economic storm is raging over our heads, and our Prime Minister is busy handing out candies in Italy!" Rahul posted.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday teared into Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "laughing and making reels" in Italy amid an "economic storm" in India.

Sharing a post on X, Rahul called Modi's leadership a "farce" while slamming BJP members for "clapping along" at his actions.

"An economic storm is raging over our heads, and our Prime Minister is busy handing out toffees in Italy!" Rahul posted.

He was referring to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posing with Modi holding a pack of 'Melody' toffees presented by him — a nod to 'Melodi', the nickname given to the leaders by the internet.

"Farmers, youth, women, laborers, and small traders are all in tears — the PM is laughing and making reels, while the BJP folks are clapping along. This isn't leadership, it's a farce."

Gandhi criticised the Modi government for the fuel price hike after prices of petrol and diesel increased for the second time in five days on Tuesday.

"In the coming months, inflation will rise sharply. Prices of petrol, diesel, gas, foodgrains, everything will increase," he said at a programme in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday.

He criticised Modi for flying off on a five-nation tour right after his appeal to the people to refrain from going abroad.

Modi's five-nation tour which started late last week ends in Rome, the Italian capital.

After landing in the Italian capital on Tuesday, the Prime Minister posted that he held discussions on "a wide range of topics" with Meloni and "look forward to our talks today (Wednesday), during which we will continue the conversation on how to strengthen the friendship between India and Italy."