Rahul Gandhi Mocks PM Modi’s ‘Melodi’ Moment, Says India Facing ‘Economic Storm’

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sharpened his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mocking his recent "Melodi" moment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and accusing him of ignoring the country's worsening economic situation while travelling abroad.

Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Over Italy Visit And 'Melody' Toffee

The remarks came after a video shared by Giorgia Meloni showed PM Modi presenting her with packets of Melody toffees during his Italy visit. In the clip, Meloni is heard saying, "PM Modi brought us a gift. It is Melody," while displaying the chocolates to the camera. She later posted the video online with the caption, "Thank you for the gift."

The moment quickly went viral, reviving the widely discussed "Melodi" phrase, a social media nickname formed by combining the names of Modi and Meloni. The term first gained traction during the COP28 summit in Dubai in 2023 when the two leaders were seen interacting warmly at global events.

Reacting to the video, Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of focusing on optics while ordinary Indians continued to struggle with rising prices and economic distress.

"Farmers, youth, women, laborers, and small traders are all in tears - the PM is laughing and making reels, while the BJP folks are clapping along. This isn't leadership, it's a farce," Rahul Gandhi wrote in a post on X.

आर्थिक तूफ़ान सर पर है, और हमारे प्रधानमंत्री इटली में टॉफ़ी बाँट रहे हैं!

किसान, युवा, महिलाएँ, मज़दूर और छोटे व्यापारी सब रो रहे हैं - PM हंसकर रील बना रहे हैं, और BJP वाले ताली बजा रहे हैं।

यह नेतृत्व नहीं, नौटंकी है।

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 20, 2026

He also remarked that an "economic storm is raging" in the country while the Prime Minister was "busy handing out toffee in Italy".

Rahul Gandhi Raises Alarm Over Economy During Raebareli Event

Addressing a 'Bahujan Swabhiman Sabha' in Raebareli, his parliamentary constituency, Rahul Gandhi linked Modi's recent public appeal on cutting expenses to what he described as signs of a deepening economic crisis.

The Congress MP referred to Modi's comments advising citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary spending, limit gold purchases and reduce foreign travel. Rahul Gandhi claimed these statements suggested that the government anticipated serious economic challenges ahead.

"Before leaving India and before going to Italy to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the people of India that an economic storm was coming. He said people should use less petrol, not buy gold, spend less and avoid travelling abroad. But just a day later, Narendra Modi boarded an aircraft worth ₹3,000-4,000 crore and went to Italy carrying toffees in his pocket, where he offered Melody toffee to the Prime Minister there," he said.

Congress Leader Claims Inflation, Fuel Shortages Hurting Public

Continuing his criticism, Rahul Gandhi alleged that people across sectors were already facing severe economic hardship, including inflation, fuel shortages and declining industrial activity.

"Now look at what kind of mockery is being made of the people of this country. There is a shortage of petrol, a shortage of gas, businesses are shutting down, factories are closing, inflation is rising, farmers are not getting fertiliser, and the entire industrial system will be shaken," he added.

The Congress leader also renewed his attack on the Centre over demonetisation and alleged that public wealth and major institutions were increasingly being concentrated in the hands of a few industrialists.

'Melodi' Phrase Returns To Spotlight

The "Melodi" reference has repeatedly surfaced online whenever PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni have met at international gatherings. Supporters of both leaders have often used the phrase humorously on social media, leading to memes and viral videos around their interactions.

PM Modi's latest Italy visit once again pushed the phrase into public discussion after the Melody toffee exchange video spread widely online, drawing both amusement and political reactions.