Rahul Gandhi Slams Modi’s ‘Make in India’ as Hollow Slogan Without Real Solutions

In a sharp political commentary that stirred fresh debates across the country, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a severe critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship Make in India initiative. Speaking at a recent gathering, Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of focusing more on slogans than on substantive solutions, branding Make in India as a campaign that failed to deliver tangible outcomes for the Indian manufacturing sector.

Slogans Without Solutions: Rahul Gandhi’s Strong Words

Gandhi did not mince words as he questioned the achievements of the Make in India campaign, claiming that despite years of promotion, the initiative had not substantially improved domestic manufacturing or created the promised volume of jobs.

“Modi ji has mastered the art of slogans, not solutions,” said Gandhi, underlining his frustration over what he termed a pattern of symbolic campaigns with minimal ground-level impact. According to him, the government’s obsession with branding over policy execution has created a gap between promises and public welfare.

What Is Make in India and Why Is It Under Fire?

Launched in 2014, Make in India was envisioned as a transformative push to encourage companies to manufacture in India and boost local employment. It was marketed as a cornerstone of economic self-reliance, especially in critical sectors like electronics, defense, and automobiles.

However, critics like Gandhi argue that the policy has failed to meet expectations. According to various economic analysts, the campaign has struggled with execution challenges, policy inconsistencies, and insufficient infrastructure. While foreign direct investment (FDI) has increased in some sectors, the overall domestic industrial output has not shown consistent growth that matches the scale of ambition.

Political Context: A Recurring Criticism

This is not the first time that Rahul Gandhi has taken aim at Make in India. Over the years, he has frequently used the initiative as a symbol of what he believes is the Modi government’s prioritization of marketing over measurable results.

“The Prime Minister loves drama and slogans. Be it Digital India, Start-up India, or Make in India — all great sounding, but none really touch the lives of ordinary Indians,” Gandhi remarked, reiterating a sentiment he has often voiced.

His statement comes at a politically charged time when both major parties are preparing their narratives for the upcoming state elections and the 2026 general polls. The Congress party appears keen to position itself as the voice of realism, countering the perceived theatrics of the BJP’s governance style.

BJP’s Rebuttal and Defense of Make in India

As expected, the BJP quickly responded to Gandhi’s criticism. Party spokespersons defended Make in India, stating that it has led to substantial growth in several manufacturing sub-sectors and improved India’s global reputation as a manufacturing destination.

“Rahul Gandhi continues to mock every national initiative without offering an alternative vision. Make in India has attracted record-breaking FDI and created opportunities for thousands,” a BJP spokesperson countered during a press briefing.

Ground Reality: Mixed Results for the Campaign

While the rhetoric on both sides is intense, the ground reality presents a more nuanced picture. Data suggests that while India has improved in areas such as ease of doing business and has seen localized manufacturing successes (like smartphone assembly and defense production), a truly broad-based industrial revolution remains elusive.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of Indian manufacturing, still grapple with financing issues, bureaucratic delays, and regulatory burdens — all of which dilute the potential impact of Make in India.

Youth, Employment, and Economic Anxiety

One of Gandhi’s primary concerns centers on employment. He pointed out that Make in India was projected as a job creator, especially for India’s massive youth population, yet unemployment figures continue to paint a worrying picture.

“The youth are not looking for slogans; they are looking for jobs. They are tired of empty words. Make in India has not translated into ‘Work in India’ for our youth,” Gandhi stated.

Will This Criticism Resonate With Voters?

Whether Gandhi’s latest critique of Make in India will move the electoral needle remains to be seen. However, the statement adds to a growing chorus of opposition voices demanding more transparency and accountability from the government regarding its big-ticket initiatives.

Observers believe that by consistently challenging Modi’s signature schemes, the Congress aims to reframe the national discourse, shifting attention from branding to delivery — a narrative that could find traction among disillusioned sections of the electorate.

Conclusion: A Debate Far From Over

The battle over Make in India is more than just a war of words — it represents competing visions for India’s future. While the BJP sees it as a symbol of national pride and economic ambition, the Congress sees it as a missed opportunity wrapped in clever messaging. As India moves forward, the success or failure of such initiatives will not only shape its economic trajectory but also determine the political fortunes of its leaders.