‘Is New India China-Nirbhar?’: Rahul Asks PM

"If we see this country and the region today, BJP and RSS have spread hatred and violence everywhere. This country is not the country of hatred and violence and they won't benefit this country in any way," Gandhi said addressing a gathering in Karnataka's Yeragera at the end of the 44th day of the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' on Friday, October 21, 2022

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has used the ‘Statue of Equality’ as ammunition for his latest salvo against the Prime Minister and his ‘New India’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar’ slogans. The Prime Minister had on Saturday dedicated to the nation the 216 foot tall statue of Swami Ramanujacharya at Hyderabad.

Drawing attention to the giant statue manufactured in China and assembled in Hyderabad, Rahul tweeted, “Statue of Equality is Made in China. ‘New India’ is China-nirbhar?”

The Modi government has initiated campaigns like Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Vocal for Local with the aim of making India self-reliant in every sector.

According to sources, a China-based company had been issued the contract in 2015 for manufacturing the five-metal alloy statue. After completion of the production phase in China, it shipped in 1600 components which were assembled over a year and a half at the venue on Hyderabad outskirts.

The giant statue of the medieval saint and social reformer has been inaugurated as part of the 1000th birth anniversary celebrations of Ramanujacharya, by Hindu seer Chinna Jeeyar Swami. Ramanujacharya promoted the idea of equality in all aspects of living, including faith, caste and creed. The statue is considered the world’s second-largest statue in sitting position.

Speaking in Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address, Gandhi had alleged that small and medium industries and the unorganised sector which contribute to ‘Make in India’ have been destroyed under this government.

“You keep talking about Made in India, Made in India. Made in India is not possible anymore. You have destroyed ‘Made in India’. You need to support small and medium industries, otherwise ‘Made in India’ is not possible. Small and medium industries are the only ones who can create jobs.”

“You keep talking about Made in India, Start-Up India, etc. And joblessness is only increasing. We had taken 27 crore people out of poverty. You have thrown 23 crore people back into poverty,” Gandhi said.