Rijiju cites Musk’s GDP post, tells Rahul Gandhi not to disparage India

A political debate flared on Sunday after Tesla chief Elon Musk reacted to a global GDP projection for 2026. His comment quickly entered India’s political discourse. Union minister Kiren Rijiju used the post to counter Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He urged Gandhi not to “disparage India” while criticising the government.

Earlier, Elon Musk responded to a data post shared by @stats_feed. The post ranked India second in projected global GDP contribution for 2026. It cited IMF estimates. Musk summed up the trend in a short line. He wrote, “The balance of power is changing.” The post also claimed that China and India together would drive 43.6 percent of global growth.

Soon after, Rijiju referred to Musk’s remark on social media platform X. He linked the data to India’s economic rise. At the same time, he took aim at Rahul Gandhi’s repeated criticism of the economy. Gandhi has questioned growth claims and objected to the Union Budget 2026–27.

Rijiju clarified his intent in a public post. He said he usually avoids reacting to comments by non-Indians. However, he said he quoted Musk to make a broader national point. He stressed that criticism of the government remains a democratic right. Still, he warned against belittling India’s achievements. He asked Gandhi to act as a “proud Indian.”

Meanwhile, the GDP data added weight to the argument. The IMF-based list placed China at the top with a 26.6 percent contribution to global growth. India followed with 17 percent. The United States stood at 9.9 percent. Indonesia contributed 3.8 percent. Germany added 0.9 percent. The data also showed Asia-Pacific driving nearly half of global growth.

In January, the IMF raised India’s growth outlook. It projected 7.3 percent growth for fiscal 2025–26. It also projected 6.4 percent growth for 2026–27. These estimates strengthened the government’s narrative on economic momentum.

Later, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman echoed Musk’s reference during the Youth Dialogue on Budget 2026. She highlighted India’s rising global weight. She said Musk reacted with surprise to the IMF numbers. She pointed out the combined contribution of China and India. She added that India’s opposition must recognise this strength. She acknowledged the gap with China. However, she said India can bridge it over time.

In contrast, Rahul Gandhi maintained his criticism. He has repeatedly targeted the BJP-led government on economic management. Last year, he supported a remark by former US President Donald Trump that described India’s economy as “dead.” He blamed policy failures for slowing momentum.

On Sunday, Gandhi again took to X after the Budget presentation. He listed issues he said the government ignored. He cited jobless youth, weak manufacturing, capital outflows, falling household savings, and farmer distress. He also warned about global shocks. He called the Budget unwilling to correct course.

Despite the criticism, the government defended its approach. Sitharaman presented her ninth consecutive Union Budget for 2026–27. She described it as a reform roadmap. She stressed Aatmanirbhar Bharat. She announced measures to boost growth and ease consumer pressure. However, she kept income tax slabs unchanged.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in. He said the Budget would strengthen India’s global position. He said Indians want more than fast growth. They want the third-largest economy tag soon. He called it a national resolve.