'Have a spine, don't lie down in front of Trump': Rahul flays PM Modi over 'UPI tax'
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for UPI transactions. Gandhi alleges the policy is a 'Modi tax' implemented under pressure from the United States and has urged the government to withdraw it.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights ongoing political tensions regarding digital payment regulations and the influence of foreign policy on domestic economic infrastructure in India.
NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Centre’s new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, accusing the government of yielding to pressure from the United States and urging Modi to “have a spine”.In a video posted on X, Rahul referred to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi while drawing a comparison with PM Modi over the new UPI measures.“Indiraji was once asked whether she leans left or right, and her response was, ‘I don't lean left or right. I stand straight’,” Gandhi said. He then turned to the UPI framework, alleging that Modi had adopted a different approach.“Modiji has a completely diff concept, he's neither left or right he has decided to completely lie down straight and in front of Donald Trump.
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