Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a veiled jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s age during a media briefing on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament while praising the achievements of India’s young entrepreneurs in the space sector.
The Prime Minister was referring to Skyroot Aerospace, the Hyderabad-based private space startup that launched India’s first privately developed rocket, Vikram-1, into orbit. Highlighting the role of young Indians in the country’s growing space ambitions, Modi said the average age of the Skyroot team behind the achievement was around 28 years.
“Today, the youth of the country are creating history. New startups have entered the space sector. I was told that the team of Skyroot, which has achieved this feat, has an average age of 28 years,” Modi said.
He then added, “However, I am not talking about a young man who is 56 years old,” in an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi, without taking his name.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who was standing behind the Prime Minister, was seen laughing after the remark. Rahul Gandhi, who is 56 years old, has often been targeted by the BJP over his political experience and leadership.
Modi’s ‘56-inch chest’ vs Rahul Gandhi’s ‘56 years’ remark: A long-running political war of words
The political battle of words between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the phrase “56-inch chest” has resurfaced after Modi’s recent jibe at Gandhi’s age.
During a media briefing on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Modi took a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi while praising the young team behind space startup Skyroot Aerospace. Referring to the average age of the company’s team, Modi said, “I was told that the team that achieved this feat has an average age of 28 years. However, I am not talking about a young man who is 56 years old.”
The remark was seen as a reference to Rahul Gandhi, who is 56 years old. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who was standing behind the Prime Minister, was seen laughing after the comment.
The exchange revived the long-running political war of words between the two leaders over Modi’s famous “56-inch chest” remark from the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign.
Modi’s 56-inch chest remark in 2014
During the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign, Narendra Modi had repeatedly highlighted his leadership credentials by referring to his “56-inch chest” as a symbol of strong leadership and his ability to take tough decisions.
Since then, Rahul Gandhi has frequently attacked the statement, questioning the government’s handling of issues such as unemployment, inflation, national security and relations with China.
Rahul Gandhi’s previous remarks on Modi’s ‘56-inch chest’
February 2, 2026 — Parliament Complex, New Delhi
While speaking about the India-China issue and referring to former Army Chief MM Naravane’s unpublished book, Rahul Gandhi targeted the Modi government over its response to China.
He said:
“What happened to the 56-inch chest when China was moving ahead in front of us?”
Rahul questioned the government’s approach towards China and used the “56-inch chest” reference to challenge claims of strong leadership.
September 7, 2024 — Dallas, Texas, US
While addressing the Indian diaspora in Dallas during his US visit, Rahul Gandhi again referred to the phrase while discussing unemployment and economic challenges.
He said:
“The 56-inch chest is not made up of empty speeches, but by providing employment to the youth and connecting the country.”
Rahul accused the Modi government of failing to address unemployment and said real strength comes from creating opportunities for young people.
2024 Lok Sabha election campaign
During several election rallies between April and May 2024, Rahul Gandhi repeatedly attacked the government using the “56-inch chest” reference.
He said:
“The 56-inch chest could not stop inflation and unemployment.”
Rahul used the phrase while criticising the government over rising prices, job creation and economic concerns.
Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra — 2024
During the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Rahul Gandhi again raised the issue at multiple public meetings.
He said:
“The country does not need a 56-inch chest, it needs justice and employment.”
He linked the remark to issues of unemployment, inflation and social justice, arguing that governance should focus on improving the lives of citizens rather than projecting a strong image.
Political symbolism behind the ‘56-inch’ debate
The “56-inch chest” phrase has remained one of the most recognisable political references associated with Prime Minister Modi since the 2014 election campaign. While BJP leaders have used it to highlight Modi’s image as a decisive leader, opposition parties, especially Rahul Gandhi, have repeatedly used the phrase to question the government’s performance on key issues.
