Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday criticised Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying such language reflects a 'poor mentality' and would not be forgiven by the public.

Speaking to ANI in Hyderabad, Chouhan said, This is a sign of a poor mentality that is being honoured by the entire world and has received the highest honours from many countries.

'This is a sign of a poor mentality. The Prime Minister of India, who is being honoured by the entire world and has received the highest honours from many countries, will never be forgiven by the public for using disrespectful language against him. Political rivalries may exist, but such language should never be used. The entire world is praising his leadership, and the country stands with him', he said.

Meanwhile, Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding a gift given to his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni.

Speaking to ANI in Hyderabad, the senior BJP leader defended the Prime Minister's gesture, terming the exchange of gifts as a 'normal activity' in diplomatic relations.

'In diplomatic relations, exchanging gifts is a normal activity. I do not know why Rahul Gandhi feels that there is a controversy in gifting a toffee to the Italian PM,' Rao said.

'Rahul Gandhi should remember that PM Modi has gone to improve diplomatic relations and trade ties. Rahul Gandhi is very irresponsible for politicising the gift given by the PM,' he stated.

Rao further advised the Congress leader to refrain from such remarks and adopt a more constructive approach. 'We advise Rahul Gandhi to behave like a responsible Opposition,' he added.

Earlier on May 20, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over rising fuel prices, India's economic situation and the Prime Minister's recent interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying the government is trivialising serious economic concerns.

Addressing party workers in Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi referred to the viral 'Melodi' trend involving PM Modi and Meloni and alleged that the Centre was ignoring an impending economic crisis.'Modi-ji takes toffees for Meloni... The time to cry is coming again,' Gandhi said.

His remarks came amid PM Modi's ongoing visit to Italy, where he met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. During the visit, PM Modi gifted Meloni a set of 'Melody' toffees, reviving the popular 'Melodi' social media trend associated with the two leaders.

Claiming that the country was heading towards a severe economic downturn, Gandhi linked the situation to rising global tensions and alleged economic mismanagement by the BJP-led government.

'Now, an economic storm is approaching--one the likes of which India has never seen. The Strait of Hormuz has been shut down. Yet, they claim there is no shortage of petrol... The BJP members mock me,' he said.

'They are eating toffees with Meloni and making videos--acting as if it's all just a joke--only to return later and fold their hands,' he added. (ANI)