Brace for economic shocks, Rahul Gandhi warns youth, farmers, small traders

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli on Tuesday, 19 May, said the economic storm now looming on the horizon will not deal a blow to Adani, Ambani or Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will strike the youth, farmers and small traders of Uttar Pradesh, he warned.

On his arrival in Raebareli on Tuesday for a two-day visit, Rahul Gandhi said, "A very, very difficult time lies ahead."

He told journalists, "The economic shock that is now imminent will not be felt by Adani, Ambani or Modi. It will be felt by the youth, farmers, labourers and small business owners of Uttar Pradesh and the country—and it will strike with an intensity unlike anything witnessed in recent years."

Expressing his apprehension, he reiterated, "A very, very difficult time is approaching."

Taking a jibe at the prime minister, Rahul Gandhi pointed out that instead of taking concrete action, Modi is advising the nation to refrain from foreign travel, while he himself continues to tour the entire world.

Earlier, on his arrival at Lucknow airport, he was welcomed by UP Congress chief Ajay Rai, the party's deputy leader in the Rajya Sabha Pramod Tiwari, MP Tanuj Punia, leader of the Congress legislature Party Aradhana Mishra, and other leaders.

A large number of party workers had also gathered at the airport to welcome him. From there, Gandhi departed for Raebareli.