Amit Shah targets Rahul Gandhi over foreign visits:Says defaming India abroad will never help Congress return to power, urges him to visit villages instead

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks at the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad, saying he would never come to power by allegedly defaming India on international platforms. Shah advised Gandhi to stop travelling abroad and instead visit villages across the country to understand people’s concerns. Speaking at an event in Pune, Maharashtra, Shah accused Rahul Gandhi of using an international platform to tarnish India’s image. He said the country wanted the Congress leader to connect with people at the grassroots level rather than travel overseas. “The entire country wants you, Rahul Gandhi, to come to the ground and visit villages. But I know that you will go abroad again in just a few days. Your ambition to come to power will not be fulfilled this way,” Shah said. 5 key points from Amit Shah’s speech 1. Accuses Rahul Gandhi of defaming India: Shah alleged that although the Congress had organised the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad, Rahul Gandhi used the international conference to speak against India and damage the country’s image globally. He also criticised the party for inviting supporters of left-wing ideology from across the country. 2. Targets Congress over corruption: Shah asked people to question Congress workers about the party’s performance during its 10 years in power. He claimed that scams and corruption worth ₹12 lakh crore took place during the Congress-led government’s tenure, adding that voters removed the party from power in 2014. 3. Lists achievements under Modi government: Shah said India’s progress in agriculture, industrial development, space exploration, startups, railways, metro networks and education had accelerated under the Narendra Modi government. He also cited the expansion of airports from 76 to 150 and the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation and the New Education Policy. 4. Advises Rahul Gandhi to visit villages: Shah said Rahul Gandhi would not be able to gain power by criticising India on international platforms. He urged the Congress leader to travel across Indian villages instead of going abroad, adding that this could improve his political prospects. 5. Warns Congress workers against current approach: Shah claimed that the world was praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, while Rahul Gandhi was attempting to undermine the country’s development narrative. He warned Congress workers that continuing to follow the party’s current political approach could keep them out of power for another 30 years.