S. Jaishankar’s Veiled Dig at Rahul Gandhi in Geneva.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a subtle jab at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during an event in Geneva, where he discussed the infrastructure and development work undertaken by the Modi-led government. Jaishankar remarked that life is not “khata-khat” – a phrase used by Gandhi during the Lok Sabha elections – but instead requires hard work and diligence.
#WATCH | Interacting with the Indian community in Geneva, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "…Until you build infrastructure & human resources, have those policies in place, it is hard work. Life is not 'khata-khat', life is hard work and diligence…"
(Video source: Ministry of… pic.twitter.com/Bdcv76dNgJ
— ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2024
Speaking to the Indian community in Switzerland, Jaishankar emphasized that significant progress requires consistent effort, stating, “Until you build infrastructure and human resources, and have policies in place, it is hard work. Life is not ‘khata-khat’; life is hard work and diligence.”
Rahul Gandhi’s “khata-khat” slogan had become a social media trend during the elections, symbolizing swift action and promises, which was also used by Prime Minister Modi to critique the Congress’s development record.
Jaishankar further stressed the importance of developing manufacturing capabilities to be a global power, stating, “A country cannot be a major power without developing its manufacturing base. Technology and manufacturing are interlinked, and no nation can excel in one without the other.”
This statement comes in response to Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks at the University of Texas, where he highlighted China’s global manufacturing dominance and its effect on employment stability, contrasting it with India’s challenges.
Jaishankar’s speech underlined the government’s vision of long-term progress, rooted in sustained effort and policy-making.
