Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a playful swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, attributing changes in his appearance to his own advice. Speaking in an interview with News Nation channel, Sarma claimed that Gandhi heeded his remarks about his long beard, likening him to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein during the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in 2022. Sarma asserted that soon after his comment, Gandhi promptly shaved off his beard. Sarma further quipped that Gandhi resembled an “Amul boy” when he was clean-shaven.
In another jab at his former party colleague, Sarma highlighted the influence of his comments on Gandhi’s grooming choices, suggesting a playful dynamic between the two politicians. The exchange underscores the ongoing banter and rivalry between political figures in India’s dynamic landscape.
Meanwhile, India’s manufacturing sector witnessed a slowdown in growth, reaching a three-month low in May due to a heatwave that prompted some companies to reduce working hours. However, despite this temporary setback, factory activity remained robust overall, buoyed by strong international sales.
The HSBC final India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, compiled by S&P Global, dipped to 57.5 in May from April’s 58.8, falling slightly below a preliminary estimate of 58.4. The adverse impact of soaring temperatures, exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122°F) in some northern and western regions, underscores the challenges faced by businesses during the summer months. Despite this, the manufacturing sector continues to demonstrate resilience, driven by robust international demand.
The juxtaposition of political banter and economic updates encapsulates the diverse facets of India’s socio-political landscape, where both political dynamics and economic indicators contribute to the national narrative.
