Controversy Erupts as BJP Responds to Rahul Gandhi's Unemployment Remarks

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu responded to Rahul Gandhi's unemployment allegations, citing improved job opportunities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP leaders criticized Gandhi for demeaning India on a global scale. Gandhi’s comments emphasized production's role in job creation during his US visit.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Monday challenged the unemployment figures cited by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during his US visit. Kinjarapu asserted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government has significantly increased employment opportunities in the country. He criticized Gandhi's comments as misleading and out of context.

'I don't know from where he gets the figures,' Kinjarapu stated. 'There is a substantial number of opportunities available in the country. We need to connect them through proper skilling. It's a continuous process, and you can't make generalized statements about the country's employment situation. Over the past 10 years, we've seen improvements in job opportunities under Modi's leadership.'

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla echoed this sentiment, arguing that Gandhi should not lecture the government on the 'idea of India.' Poonawalla pointed out Congress's historical actions, including the Emergency, as detrimental to the Constitution. He demanded that Gandhi clarify his stance on Article 370 and his partnership with leaders advocating its reimplementation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao further criticized Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for undermining India's progress. 'The Gandhi family and Congress can't tolerate the nation's growing prestige and pride,' Sao claimed. He accused Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly bringing disrepute to India on the global stage, especially when the nation achieves significant milestones.

Earlier, during his US visit, Gandhi highlighted global unemployment issues, arguing that the production-centric economies of China and Vietnam do not face such challenges. He suggested that India has shifted its focus from production to consumption, leading to job scarcity. Gandhi compared the current situation to the United States' past when it dominated global production, creating numerous job opportunities, a model that he believes India should emulate.

On his arrival in Dallas, Texas, Rahul Gandhi was greeted by a welcoming committee including Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, and members of the Indian diaspora. Gandhi's visit underscores ongoing debates regarding India's economic strategies and employment policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)