(Image source from: x.com/INCIndia)
The BJP strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday after he stated that manufacturing in India is falling. This backlash came shortly after Gandhi posted on social media after visiting the BMW factory in Munich, Germany. He praised Germany's high-quality manufacturing and mentioned that India needs to boost production to create more jobs. However, he also said that manufacturing in India is “sadly declining," which prompted a quick response from the ruling party. During his trip to Germany, Rahul Gandhi visited BMW Welt and the BMW manufacturing facility. In his post, he mentioned that the experience showed him global manufacturing standards up close. He also pointed out a 450cc motorcycle made by TVS in collaboration with BMW, referring to it as a commendable example of Indian engineering. Gandhi emphasized that manufacturing is essential for strong economies and asserted that India needs improved manufacturing systems and big job creation to enhance growth.
LoP Shri @RahulGandhi at the BMW World in Munich, Germany. pic.twitter.com/l6Ie8RPHy1
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 17, 2025
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari dismissed Gandhi’s comments, accusing him of spreading what he labeled as “false news" about India's growth narrative. Bhandari stated that solid data indicated robust growth in Indian manufacturing, especially in the electronics and automobile sectors. He maintained that numbers, rather than political slogans, accurately represent the country’s development under the leadership of Narendra Modi.
Bhandari presented statistics to counter Gandhi’s statements. He mentioned that overall electronics production spiked from Rs 1.9 lakh crore in 2014–15 to Rs 11.3 lakh crore in 2024–25, nearly a six-fold rise. He also noted that electronics exports surged from Rs 38,000 crore to Rs 3.27 lakh crore during the same timeframe. According to reports, mobile phone manufacturing facilities grew from just two to approximately 300, with the value of mobile phone production increasing nearly 30 times.
LoP Shri @RahulGandhi visited BMW World in Munich, Germany, and took a guided tour of BMW Welt and the BMW Plant.
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 17, 2025
He was pleased to see TVS’s 450cc motorcycle, developed in partnership with BMW—a proud moment to witness Indian engineering on display.
Manufacturing is the… pic.twitter.com/iqiMCAQD23
The BJP spokesperson further highlighted the long-term growth in the automobile industry. He stated that vehicle production grew from around 2 million units in 1991 to 28 million units in 2024. He also mentioned that India is aiming for 50 million vehicles by 2030 and aspires to be among the top two automobile manufacturers in the world. Bhandari claimed that India has shifted from relying on imports to gaining strength in exports through growth driven by manufacturing. He accused Rahul Gandhi of ignoring economic facts, insisting that factories, exports, and data reveal a different reality.
