Union Minister Ramdas Athawale criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his overseas criticism of the Indian government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Athawale slammed Gandhi for allegedly damaging India’s image on the global stage and stated that the country’s efforts in combating the crisis should be appreciated. The remarks came after Rahul Gandhi’s comments during his recent visit to the United States, where he criticized the government’s response to the pandemic. Athawale emphasized the importance of standing united during such challenging times and urged political leaders to refrain from making statements that could harm the nation’s reputation. The criticism from Athawale comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing political tensions in India over the handling of the pandemic. The exchange highlights the divide between political parties in the country on how the crisis has been managed. The issue has also sparked debates among citizens about the government’s strategies and the role of opposition leaders in providing constructive criticism. As India continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, politicians and public figures are being closely scrutinized for their actions and statements. Athawale’s criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s overseas comments adds another layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding the pandemic response in the country.