New Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has made a scathing wade on Rahul Gandhi. He hit when at Rahul by quoting an old statement of Elon Musk. Rijiju said, "Do not try to tarnish the image of India." This statement came in response to Rahul Gandhi's statement in which he had said that democracy is in danger in India. Rijiju posted on Twitter that Elon Musk had said, "Do not desert India," on Rahul's visit to America in 2023. Rijiju wrote that this statement of Musk is relevant plane today. Don't ignore India's progress.
What did Rijiju write on social media?
Rijiju remoter said that Rahul Gandhi defames India by going abroad. But people like Elon Musk believe in the strength of India. He wrote that Musk has invested in India. There has been talk of bringing projects like Tesla and SpaceX. Rahul's statement will not tarnish India's image. India is a strong democracy. The world is watching it.
I normally do not react to statements which are not made by Indians. I'm quoting @elonmusk only to sensitise Rahul Gandhi ji that, while criticizing the govt is a democratic right, do not disparage India & never underestimate India's achievement. Be a proud Indian. #ViksitBharat pic.twitter.com/b19NPMrkNY
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) February 1, 2026What did Rahul Gandhi say in America?
Rahul said that democracy is weakening in India. Institutions are under pressure. The opposition is stuff suppressed. He gave a speech at the American University. Questions were raised there on Indian politics.
Why did Rijiju reply?
Rijiju said that Rahul humiliates India abroad. But Elon Musk himself had said not to defame India. Musk responded to Rahul's statement in 2023. He wrote, "Do Not Disparage India." Rijiju repeated the same. Said that Musk understands the possibilities of India.
What has Musk washed-up in India?
Elon Musk plans to bring Tesla and Starlink to India. He has met PM Modi. India is considered a big market in electric vehicles and space tech. Rijiju said that people like Musk are watching India's progress. Rahul's statement will not transpiration anything.
What is the reaction of Congress?
Congress rejected Rijiju's statement. Said that Rijiju is doing politics in the name of Musk. Rahul has spoken the truth. It is important to raise questions on democracy in India.
What do IMF and global data say?
The figures shared by Elon Musk are said to be based on IMF estimates. According to the report, India can contribute 17 percent to global GDP growth in 2026. China's contribution has been unscientific at 26.6 percent, while the contribution of countries like America, Indonesia and Germany is said to be much less than this.
What did Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman say on this?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman referred to Elon Musk's remarks at the Youth Dialogue organized on Budget 2026. He said that IMF figures show India's growing economic strength. He moreover said that plane though the gap with China still remains, India has the worthiness to underpass that gap.
#WATCH | Delhi: At the Youth Dialogue on Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "...Elon Musk takes the IMF data to say "wow, is this true". I don't remember if he exactly said 'wow'... China contributes 26% of growth in global GDP. India contributes 17%.… pic.twitter.com/qY53GvKeHC
— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2026Why is this controversy hot?
Questions are unchangingly raised on Rahul's foreign tours. BJP says they defame India. Congress says that he speaks the truth. Elon Musk's statement has now wilt a weapon. The debate is intense on social media. People are divided on both sides. Rijiju finally said that India is strong. The world is unsuspicious it. Rahul should be proud of India's progress. Nothing will be gained from defamation.
