The Parliament Budget Session 2025 witnessed intense debates and fiery exchanges as senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative during the Motion of Thanks debate on the President’s address. Gandhi acknowledged the potential of the initiative but criticized the Modi government for its failure to implement it effectively, citing issues such as rising unemployment, dependence on foreign imports, and the struggling manufacturing sector.
His remarks have reignited a political battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition, with BJP leaders defending the initiative and listing its achievements. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of the Budget Session 2025 and the controversy surrounding the ‘Make in India’ program.
Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism of ‘Make in India’
Speaking in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi stated that while ‘Make in India’ was a good idea, its execution under PM Modi’s leadership has been deeply flawed. He pointed out several key issues:
- Lack of Job Creation – Gandhi argued that despite grand announcements, India’s manufacturing sector has failed to generate enough employment, leaving millions of youth jobless.
- Increased Imports – He criticized the government for its rising dependence on Chinese imports, questioning why ‘Make in India’ has not led to greater self-reliance.
- Weak MSME Growth – The Congress leader claimed that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which are essential for India’s manufacturing growth, have been neglected.
- Corporate Favoritism – Gandhi accused the Modi government of favoring large business houses while ignoring small manufacturers and local industries.
He concluded by stating that ‘Make in India’ remains a slogan rather than a reality, urging the government to focus on real economic policies instead of publicity campaigns.
BJP’s Defense: ‘Make in India is a Success’
Unsurprisingly, BJP leaders strongly defended the ‘Make in India’ initiative, highlighting its key achievements:
✅ Rise in Domestic Manufacturing – Union Ministers cited data showing that India’s electronic and defense manufacturing sectors have seen significant growth under ‘Make in India’.
✅ Global Investments – The Modi government pointed out that India has received record-high foreign investments in manufacturing, including semiconductors, automobiles, and defense production.
✅ Growth in Startups – BJP leaders argued that India’s startup ecosystem has flourished, with record-breaking unicorns emerging across various sectors.
✅ Success in Defense & Railways – ‘Make in India’ has led to the manufacturing of indigenous fighter jets, defense equipment, and modernized railway systems, reducing dependence on foreign imports.
BJP leaders dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s criticism as political rhetoric, claiming that Congress never supported industrial growth during its tenure.
The Reality: Successes and Challenges of ‘Make in India’
While the BJP government has promoted ‘Make in India’ as a revolutionary policy, experts believe that its impact has been mixed.
Successes:
📌 Boost in Electronics Industry – India has become the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world, with brands like Apple and Samsung setting up factories.
📌 Growth in Defense Production – India has successfully developed fighter jets, warships, and missile systems, reducing defense imports.
📌 Infrastructure Development – The Modi government has focused on industrial corridors, highways, and smart cities to support manufacturing.
Challenges:
🔴 Unemployment Crisis – Despite investments, India has struggled to create enough jobs in manufacturing.
🔴 Dependency on China – India’s trade deficit with China remains high, raising concerns over self-reliance.
🔴 Lack of Innovation – Many industries assemble rather than manufacture from scratch, limiting technological advancement.
Political Impact of Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks
Rahul Gandhi’s attack on ‘Make in India’ is part of the Congress party’s strategy to target Modi’s economic policies ahead of the 2025 elections. His speech resonated with opposition parties, many of whom believe that the government’s claims of economic success are overhyped.
However, BJP leaders remain confident, stating that the growth in manufacturing, foreign investments, and economic indicators prove that ‘Make in India’ is delivering results.
The Budget Session 2025 has set the stage for an intense political battle, as both sides prepare for upcoming state and national elections.
Conclusion: The Future of ‘Make in India’
The debate on ‘Make in India’ is likely to continue, with both successes and failures shaping its legacy. The initiative has undeniably boosted certain industries, but serious concerns remain about job creation, small business growth, and dependence on foreign imports.
With the 2025 general elections approaching, the Modi government may need to address these issues more effectively to convince the public that ‘Make in India’ is not just a slogan but a true movement towards self-reliance.
The Budget Session 2025 has brought this discussion to the forefront, and it will be interesting to see how the government responds to opposition criticism in the coming months.