Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 8 (ANI): After United States imposed reciprocal tariffs on India, Congress MP Rajeev Shukla on Tuesday said that the economy has taken a wrong turn and strengthening the economy of the nation is very essential.

'The economy has taken a wrong turn. We had been saying earlier too that if this economy is not managed, it will have a huge impact on Indian trade, and employment opportunities will drastically reduce. Strengthening the economy is very essential,' Shukla told ANI.

Earlier todat, questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'silence' on the US imposing tariffs, Congress leader Pawan Khera on Tuesday said that the PM should make a statement to maintain people's confidence in the economy and stock market.

'The biggest concern is the Prime Minister's silence. The US is openly mocking our country, our stock market, our economy and the Prime Minister is silent. Canada, China, Taiwan, the UK, and the European Union have all responded in their own way or are preparing to respond. Here, we do not know, the opposition does not know, the people of the country do not know what the strategy is... The Prime Minister should make a statement to maintain people's confidence in the economy and the stock market. Everyone should be taken into confidence,' Khera told ANI.

Asian stock markets witnessed a major sell-off on Monday after US President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs. The markets opened with heavy selling pressure, reflecting growing fears over the tariffs' impact on global trade and economic growth.

As Congress Working Committee meeting and 84th AICC national convention is underway in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, Shukla stated that there would be deliberations on the organization's situation and strengthening of the party.

He said, 'These matters will be discussed in the CWC, and there will be deliberations on the organization's situation and how to strengthen the party.'

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting and All India Congress Committee (AICC) session have convened in Ahmedabad, marking a crucial gathering for the party's leadership.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and other prominent Congress leaders are participating in the meeting.

The meeting, set against the scenic backdrop of the Sabarmati Riverfront, will also be attended by other top Congress leaders, including Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.

The CWC session is expected to address key political developments, strategise for upcoming elections, and discuss party strengthening initiatives.

With Gujarat being the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the meeting holds symbolic significance, as the Congress seeks to rejuvenate its presence in the state and across the nation.

This meeting comes at a critical time for the party, as it prepares for future electoral challenges and aims to consolidate its position in the national political landscape. (ANI)