Union Finance Minister Nirmal Sithraman. (File Photo) Union Finance Minister Nirmal Sithraman on Wednesday criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for allegedly politicising issues involving Indian businesses, accusing him of portraying commercial and legal matters as criminal cases. In a strongly worded statement on social media platform X, Sitharaman said political leaders should engage constructively on matters concerning Indian industry rather than make allegations driven by political considerations. "Being the LoP @Rahul Gandhi, I suggest you refrain from politicising every issue. Also, casually labelling commercial and legal matters as criminal is unacceptable," she said. "You have repeatedly decried the successes of Indian industry & our entrepreneurs. Now, are you trying to incite our business leaders to join you in spreading distrust & toxicity?" She also accused Gandhi and his party of undermining Indian entrepreneurs during their time in power, citing the Licence-Quota Raj and its impact on economic growth and poverty. "For decades, your party had smothered the spirit of the Indian entrepreneurs under the stifling ‘Licence-Quota Raj’ & inflicted poverty on crores of Indians." Defending the Narendra Modi-led government, she said, "On the other hand, our government led by PM @narendramodi values the Indian industry as job creators & drivers of economic growth. Our policies have been tailored to enable enterprise, support industry and encourage investment." "Political parties, leaders, governments and institutions share an equal responsibility to support our industry, strengthen our farmers and secure the future of our youth. Therefore, it is essential to engage constructively rather than casting baseless aspersions to suit your narrow political motives," the post further read. Invoking the Constitution and the judiciary, the minister said, The Constitution of India ensures justice to all its citizens & our Honourable Courts are entrusted with upholding it. History is witness to the shoddy manner in which you, your party and the PMs belonging to your party have demeaned the judiciary." "So Rahul ji, refrain from seeing ghosts everywhere." Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-led government of treating Indian businesses as its “plaything” and alleged that business leaders were afraid to raise their voices, amid a row over N Chandrasekaran’s reappointment as Tata Sons Executive Chairman. In a post on X, Gandhi vowed to ensure justice, saying, “You lack courage. We don't.” "Tata is being criminally destroyed, and no business leader dares say a word. How long will you stay silent? Until they own you? Indian business is not Modi and Shah's plaything. You lack courage. We don't. We will ensure justice for these crimes," Gandhi said. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Business, Economy and around the World. Vikas Kumar is Deputy Editor (Business) at Times Now driving coverage across policy, economy and markets. He possesses nearly a decade of experience i... View More