PM Modi Is Busy Eating ‘Melody’ With Giorgia Meloni: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM Narendra Modi Over NEET UG Cancellation, Fuel Hikes and Scarcity (Watch Video)

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, accusing the government of ignoring critical domestic challenges. Speaking to public gatherings during his tour of Uttar Pradesh, Gandhi highlighted widespread student distress, exam irregularities, and escalating inflation as defining characteristics of the country's current state.

The Congress leader's remarks were triggered by a viral social media video from Italy, where Prime Minister Modi was seen gifting a packet of "Melody" candies to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—a playful nod to the popular internet moniker "Melodi." Gandhi categorized the interaction as "theatrics" and argued that the administration is disconnected from the economic hardships confronting the public. PM Narendra Modi Gifts ‘Melody’ Chocolates to Giorgia Meloni During Italy Visit; ‘Melodi’ Moment Video Goes Viral.

"The youth are falling into depression, the NEET paper has been cancelled, petrol prices are rising, gas supplies are scarce, and inflation continues to soar," Gandhi said, addressing a gathering in the region. "Yet, the PM of India is busy eating 'melody' with the PM of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. This is the actual state of the country."

The opposition leader claimed that an "economic storm" is currently building over the nation, with small traders, farmers, and young professionals bearing the brunt of rising essential commodity costs. He further alleged that the central government has failed to establish an adequate economic safeguard for vulnerable citizens over the past several months.

The timing of the political exchange coincides with intense national scrutiny regarding competitive examinations in India. Following the recent cancellation of the NEET-UG examination due to confirmed paper leaks and institutional irregularities, the Congress party has consistently demanded accountability, alongside the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Gandhi reiterated that recurring examination failures are actively damaging the mental health and career prospects of millions of students. Giorgia Meloni Shares Video As PM Narendra Modi Gifts ‘Melody’ Chocolates to His Italian Counterpart, Revives Viral ‘Melodi’ Moment (Watch Video).

Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over NEET Crisis and Rising Fuel Prices

In his address, the Lok Sabha LoP also criticized the Prime Minister's recent public appeals advising citizens to optimize fuel consumption and scale back foreign travel to manage economic pressures. Gandhi questioned the consistency of the policy, pointing to the Prime Minister’s own multi-nation international tour immediately following those statements. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has previously dismissed the opposition's criticisms, accusing Gandhi of politicizing sensitive educational and administrative reforms while defending the government's investigative responses to examination malpractices.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 20, 2026 03:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).