Skyroot launch led by 28-year-olds, not some young 56-year-old: PM’s sharp attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while celebrating the successful launch of a rocket by Hyderabad-based space startup Skyroot Aerospace, saying the achievement belonged to a team of young innovators with an average age of 28 years, “not some 56-year-old young man”.

At the customary address ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, PM Modi praised the country’s startup ecosystem and highlighted Skyroot’s recent milestone, calling it a moment of pride for India’s youth.

“India’s youth have embarked on a new journey into space. I was told that the average age of the entire team working at the ‘Skyroot’ startup is merely 28 years. Young people like these have accomplished this feat. I am not speaking of a 56-year-old youth,” he said.

Although he did not name Rahul Gandhi, the jibe was apparently directed at the Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who is 56 years old