'Melody' Row Explodes: Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over Viral Italy Toffee Video
A lighthearted viral moment between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has now snowballed into a major political controversy.
During PM Modi's visit to Rome, visuals emerged showing the Prime Minister gifting a Melody toffee to Meloni — a playful nod to the popular "Melodi" social media trend surrounding the two leaders. While supporters called it a warm diplomatic gesture, the Opposition has sharply criticised the timing of the viral video.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi attacked the Prime Minister, alleging that the country is facing economic distress, inflation, unemployment, and student unrest while the PM is "busy making reels." Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also questioned the government over the Prime Minister's foreign tour and economic priorities.
The BJP, however, hit back strongly, defending the Prime Minister's diplomacy and highlighting strategic agreements signed during the five-nation visit. BJP leaders accused the Congress of trivialising India's diplomatic outreach and criticised Rahul Gandhi over his own foreign visits.
