PM busy handing out candies in Italy amid economic storm at home, says Congress

Key points

• Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) led a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government over inflation, unemployment and weakening economic indicators, accusing it of pursuing publicity while the economy faced mounting distress.
• In a post on X, Mr.
• Kharge targeted the Prime Minister over rising prices, investment slowdown and the weakening rupee, alleging that the government had imposed economic hardship on ordinary citizens.
• “Modi ji wants the public to enjoy the ‘melody’ of speeches while surviving the ‘misery’ of his government’s loot,” he said, using a poster carrying the slogan, “Looting is MELODY for BJP, but MISERY for citizens!” The Congress attack coincided with Prime Minister Modi’s visit abroad and followed a social media post by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni showing Mr.
• Modi gifting her ‘Melody’ toffees.