Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday, October 28, criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegations against the Tata Group. She accused him of politicising commercial and legal matters and attempting to spread distrust among Indian business leaders.

In a post on X, Sitharaman responded to Gandhi’s claim that the BJP-led government was treating Indian businesses as its “plaything”. His remarks came amid a dispute over the reappointment of N Chandrasekaran as Executive Chairman of Tata Sons.

"Being the LoP Rahul Gandhi, I suggest you refrain from politicising every issue. Also, casually labelling commercial and legal matters as criminal is unacceptable. 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?" Sitharaman said.

She accused the Congress of weakening Indian entrepreneurship through the Licence-Quota Raj and said the Modi government viewed businesses as drivers of employment and economic growth.

"For decades, your party had smothered the spirit of the Indian entrepreneurs under the stifling ‘Licence-Quota Raj’ & inflicted poverty on crores of Indians. On the other hand, our government led by PM Narendra Modi values the Indian industry as job creators & drivers of economic growth. Our policies have been tailored to enable enterprise, support industry and encourage investment," she said.

Sitharaman also urged the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha to engage constructively instead of making allegations for political gains. "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," she added.

Defending the judiciary, she 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," Sitharaman said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Gandhi alleged that the Tata Group was being criminally destroyed and business leaders were afraid to speak out. "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," he wrote on X. The Tata Group did not immediately respond.

The dispute centres on Tata Sons' leadership. Earlier this week, Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata challenged the resolution to reappoint Chandrasekaran, passed at the holding company's September 17 board meeting.