Kharge terms Modi's GDP video 'PR exercise'; Congress flags inflation, unemployment
Opposition party questions methodology behind the latest GDP figures, with Jairam Ramesh alleging that 'statistical gymnastics’ concealed the underlying weakness of the economy
On September 1, 2026, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video celebrating a 7.8% GDP growth rate in the first quarter of 2026-27, calling it a "PR exercise". Kharge highlighted the three "U"s plaguing ordinary citizens: unprecedented unemployment, unbearable price rise, and unbridled inequality.
He accused the Modi government of presiding over growing inequality and unfulfilled promises of creating two crore jobs annually, citing the ongoing unemployment among youth and the rising cost of essentials. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh accused the government of using "statistical gymnastics" to conceal economic weakness, pointing out the discrepancy between nominal and real GDP growth figures.
Ramesh alleged that the government's "Make in India" initiative had achieved little, while its "Fake in India" scheme continued unabated. He also criticized the government for subjecting the public to a "high-voltage shock" of rising prices, which now affected various aspects of everyday life, from building homes to purchasing household appliances.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Congress accuses Modi govt of ‘inflation shock’ economictimes.indiatimes.com
