New Delhi, October 28, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his claim that the Tata Group was being “criminally destroyed”, accusing him of politicising issues and making baseless allegations against Indian industry.
In a post on X, Sitharaman urged Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to refrain from politicising every issue. She also criticised his use of the term “criminal” to describe commercial and legal matters.
“Being the Leader of the Opposition, I suggest you refrain from politicising every issue. Also, casually labelling commercial and legal matters as criminal is unacceptable,” the Finance Minister said.
Gandhi had alleged that Indian businesses were being treated as the “plaything” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“Tata is being criminally destroyed, and no business leader dares say a word. How long will you stay silent? Until they own you?” Gandhi had said, while also questioning the courage of business leaders.
Responding to his remarks, Sitharaman accused the Congress leader of repeatedly criticising the achievements of Indian industry and entrepreneurs.
“You have repeatedly decried the successes of Indian industry and our entrepreneurs. Now, are you trying to incite our business leaders to join you in spreading distrust and toxicity?” she asked.
The Finance Minister also criticised the Congress party’s economic legacy, alleging that its policies had suppressed entrepreneurship for decades under the “Licence-Quota Raj” and contributed to widespread poverty.
She said the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi viewed Indian industry as a key source of employment and economic growth.
“On the other hand, our government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi values the Indian industry as job creators and drivers of economic growth. Our policies have been tailored to enable enterprise, support industry and encourage investment,” Sitharaman stated.
Emphasising the role of institutions and political leadership, she said political parties, leaders, governments and institutions shared an equal responsibility to support Indian industry, strengthen farmers and safeguard the future of the country’s youth.
Sitharaman called for constructive engagement instead of what she described as baseless allegations driven by narrow political motives.
She also invoked the Constitution, saying it guaranteed justice to all citizens and that the courts were entrusted with upholding it. The Finance Minister further accused Gandhi, his party and previous Congress-led governments of having demeaned the judiciary.
“So Rahul ji, refrain from seeing ghosts everywhere,” Sitharaman remarked.
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