‘Be a Proud Indian’: Rijiju Quotes Elon Musk While Slamming Rahul Gandhi’s Economic Remarks

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Sunday invoked a social media post by Elon Musk to criticise Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him not to "disparage India" while attacking the BJP-led government on economic issues.

Rijiju's remarks came after Musk reacted to a global GDP projection for 2026 that placed India among the top contributors to global economic growth, a development the minister said reflected national achievement rather than political claims.

Musk Flags Shift In Global Economic Power

The controversy began after Elon Musk shared a post by @stats_feed highlighting projected global GDP contributions for 2026. Commenting on the data, Musk wrote, "The balance of power is changing."

The post claimed that China and India together would account for 43.6 per cent of global growth, citing IMF data. It also noted that the Asia-Pacific region was expected to contribute nearly 50 per cent of total global economic growth.

According to the projections, India was forecast to contribute 17 per cent to global GDP growth in 2026, ranking above the United States. China was projected at 26.6 per cent, while the US stood at 9.9 per cent. Indonesia, Germany and other economies followed with significantly smaller shares.

Rijiju Responds To Rahul Gandhi's Criticism

Reacting on X, Kiren Rijiju said he was quoting Musk only to underline India's economic standing, while cautioning Rahul Gandhi against undermining national achievements.

"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 belittle India's achievement. Be a proud Indian," Rijiju posted.

The minister's statement came amid ongoing criticism by Gandhi of the government's handling of the economy, including renewed objections to the Union Budget 2026-27.

IMF Growth Projections Highlight India's Outlook

Separately, the International Monetary Fund had raised India's growth projection in January, forecasting economic expansion of 7.3 per cent for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The IMF also projected GDP growth of 6.4 per cent for 2026-27, reinforcing India's position among the fastest-growing major economies.

Gandhi Reiterates 'Dead Economy' Charge

Rijiju's remarks followed repeated comments by Rahul Gandhi targeting the BJP government's economic policies. Addressing a query on the "dead economy" remark made by Donald Trump last year, Gandhi had earlier supported Trump's statement and criticised the government's economic management.

After the Union Budget was presented in Parliament on Sunday, Gandhi again took to X to outline what he described as ignored concerns.

"Youth without jobs. Falling manufacturing. Investors pulling out capital. Household savings plummeting. Farmers in distress. Looming global shocks - all ignored. A Budget that refuses course correction, blind to India's real crises," Gandhi wrote.