A viral video from Rome has ignited a major political row back home in India. The footage showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifting a packet of the popular Indian candy, Melody, to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Following this, the Congress party launched a sharp attack on Thursday. The opposition accused The Prime Minister of being completely insensitive to the severe hardships faced by ordinary Indian citizens. Specifically, they highlighted the burdens of rising inflation and an ongoing fuel crisis.
The chief opposition party targeted PM Modi over the diplomatic gesture. They claimed that the Prime Minister appeared far more focused on international public relations and optics. Meanwhile, millions of people in India are struggling with the soaring prices of essential commodities and fuel.
Congress Mocks Viral Moment With “M for Melody” Campaign
To turn up the pressure, the Congress party shared a highly critical video on its official X handle. The party mocked the Prime Minister by using the sarcastic slogan “M for Melody.” They pointed out that the letter “M” should instead stand for “Mehngai,” which translates to inflation. Consequently, the party argued that the government is ignoring the growing financial burden on everyday citizens.
The social media post carried a very direct caption to express their anger. “The people of the country are spending their lives in poverty,” the Congress wrote. They added that “Modi is distributing ‘Melody’ in Italy.” Furthermore, the video alleged that the country is currently facing a severe economic crisis while the Prime Minister is busy handing out candies overseas. The opposition firmly accused him of turning a blind eye to pressing domestic concerns like unemployment and the rising cost of living.
In the video, the Congress party compared the Prime Minister’s actions to a festive holiday figure. “The nation is grappling with a severe economic crisis,” the video statement noted. It then asked, “What is the Prime Minister doing? He has become Santa Claus and is handing out toffees in Italy.”
Escalating Tensions Amid Global Energy Supply Fears
The intense political remarks came against a backdrop of deep global worry. Serious concerns are growing over international energy supplies due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Right now, a blockade threatens the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical maritime shipping route. Because nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow strait, any disruption causes immediate shockwaves in global fuel prices.
The Congress party also referred to PM Modi’s past foreign trips to criticize his diplomatic style. They claimed he previously “hid behind the teleprompter in Sweden” and “sneaked away after a Norwegian reporter posed a question.” Now, they argue he has arrived in Italy simply to engage in photo opportunities.
To back their claims, the Congress listed several essential items that have become unbearably expensive for the public. Prices for fuel, cooking gas cylinders, milk, bread, and vital medicines have risen sharply. As a result, farmers, young job seekers, women, laborers, and small traders are all under intense financial stress. The opposition insists that while these groups suffer, the Prime Minister continues to focus on making internet reels and posing for photo shoots.
Rahul Gandhi Joins the Attack to Criticize “Theatrics”
On Wednesday, senior Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also intensified his criticism. He attacked PM Modi over the viral interaction in Rome, openly accusing him of indulging in unnecessary theatrics during a period of domestic economic distress. The interaction itself was a playful nod to the popular “Melodi” nickname that fans use on social media to combine the names of both leaders.
While addressing a gathering of party workers in Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi warned that a massive economic storm is looming over India. He expressed deep frustration that the Prime Minister was busy distributing toffees while citizens face financial pain. He stated that the government is treating serious national issues as if everything is a joke.
However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party hit back strongly against these comments. BJP leader Nitin Nabin called Gandhi’s remarks deeply regrettable. He added that the opposition’s stance merely reflects an anarchic mindset that fails to respect successful global diplomacy. Despite the pushback, the “Melodi” phenomenon remains a massive talking point across social media networks.