Shehzad Poonawalla has publicly criticized Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that the Congress leader's comments while abroad regarding India's democracy and economic conditions are unfounded. Poonawalla highlighted that when some individuals express views that suggest India's democracy is under threat and its economy is failing, these claims are misleading and detrimental to India's image internationally. He argued that such rhetoric serves to spread misinformation and tarnish the country's reputation.

Poonawalla accused Gandhi and others of propagating negativity with assertions that undermine the military's credibility and promote narratives of operational failures. He emphasized that spreading such 'false propaganda' is a conscious effort to misrepresent India and its democratic values. This raises concerns about the motives behind such statements, particularly when made on international platforms, as they can have substantial implications on global perceptions of India.

In conclusion, Poonawalla called for a greater understanding of the realities facing India and criticized those who choose to highlight only the negative aspects. The discourse around India's democracy and economic situation is crucial, and he urged all political figures to promote a more balanced and truthful narrative, recognizing the challenges while also acknowledging the progress made by the nation.