Sat Jun 21 09:50:03 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, claiming it failed to boost domestic manufacturing and led to increased reliance on Chinese imports. He argued that India prioritizes assembly over manufacturing, benefiting foreign companies and domestic oligopolies, and highlighted the need for reforms and support for local producers. Gandhi also touched upon the importance of respecting physical labor and addressing the role of caste in the distribution of power and respect within Indian society.
**News Article:**

**Gandhi Slams Modi’s ‘Make in India,’ Cites Manufacturing Decline and Chinese Import Surge**

**New Delhi, June 21, 2025** – Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” initiative, asserting that it has failed to deliver on its promise of a manufacturing boom and has instead resulted in a decline in domestic production and increased dependence on imports from China.

“Make in India promised a factory boom. So why is manufacturing at record lows, youth unemployment at record highs, and why have imports from China more than doubled?” Gandhi posted on X (formerly Twitter). He accused Modi of being adept at slogans but lacking concrete solutions, noting that manufacturing has fallen to 14% of the Indian economy since 2014.

Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, claims the ‘Make in India’ initiative has failed.

He further alleged that even the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is being “quietly rolled back.” Gandhi called for a fundamental shift in economic policy, emphasizing the need to empower local producers through honest reforms and financial assistance. “We must stop being a market for others. If we don’t build here, we’ll keep buying from those who do,” he warned.

Gandhi’s remarks followed a meeting with mobile repair technicians in Nehru Place, Delhi, where he discussed the challenges they face. He distinguished between “Made in India” and “Assembled in India,” arguing that India primarily assembles imported components, enriching foreign companies and domestic oligopolies. “The truth is stark: we assemble, we import, but we don’t build. China profits,” Gandhi stated.

He underscored the importance of developing skills in manufacturing components and fostering respect for physical labor. Gandhi also touched upon the issue of caste, suggesting its influence on the distribution of power and respect within Indian society.

Gandhi and the Congress party have been advocating for a nationwide caste census to assess the representation of various castes in positions of power.

Read More