Rahul targets ‘Make in India’ again, BJP hits back citing ‘record’ mobile manufacturing growth

New Delhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has reignited his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship ‘Make in India’ initiative, arguing that catchy slogans have failed to translate into robust solutions for the country’s manufacturing sector. Sharing a video of his interaction with local technicians at Delhi’s Nehru Place market, Gandhi accused the government of neglecting genuine domestic production and relying instead on imports and assembly work that profit countries like China.

“Since 2014, manufacturing has shrunk to 14% of India’s economy. Modi ji has mastered the art of slogans, not solutions,” Rahul posted on X, along with clips of his visit to a mobile repair shop. In the footage, he engages with two young repairmen, Shivam and Saif, highlighting their skill and potential, which he claims remain underutilised due to weak support for true manufacturing.

Rahul contended that financial aid and skill development were critical to fostering the capacity to produce parts locally instead of importing them from China — which he called “the world’s only electronics market.” He argued that dignifying skilled manual work and addressing deep-seated caste hierarchies were essential to transforming India’s manufacturing landscape.

While Rahul’s market walk drew enthusiastic crowds, the BJP wasted no time in countering his claims. Amit Malviya, the party’s IT cell head, responded sharply on X, pointing out that India has emerged as the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer, growing from just two manufacturing units in 2014 to over 300 today.

Malviya defended the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which Gandhi claimed was being “quietly rolled back”, stating it had attracted over ₹10,900 crore in investments and boosted electronics production from ₹18,900 crore in FY14 to a staggering ₹4.22 lakh crore in FY24.

“Under PM Modi, India has transformed from an importer to a global manufacturing powerhouse. Rahul Gandhi’s narratives are outdated and disconnected from reality,” Malviya asserted.

Rahul’s latest video is part of an ongoing series showcasing his informal interactions with small traders and workers. In recent years, he has frequently highlighted their everyday struggles as he sharpens his criticism of the government’s economic policies.