BJP Spokesperson Criticizes Rahul Gandhi's Economic Remarks Amidst India's Economic Growth
In a recent Lok Sabha session, BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala criticized opposition leader Rahul Gandhi for his negative comments about India's economy. Poonawala highlighted India's achievement of becoming the fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan, and urged Gandhi to stop spreading misinformation. He emphasized the significant growth in India's GDP and challenged Gandhi's claims of a 'dead economy.' The article also touches on the government's press release regarding economic growth and Congress leader Rashid Alvi's criticism of the GDP calculation method. This ongoing political discourse reflects the contrasting views on India's economic status.
Dec 31, 2025, 14:38 IST
BJP's Response to Rahul Gandhi's Criticism
BJP's national spokesperson, Shahzad Poonawala, targeted opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, accusing him of spreading negative propaganda against India after the country surpassed Japan to become the fourth-largest economy. Speaking to a news outlet, Poonawala condemned Gandhi's remarks about India's 'failing economy' and urged him to refrain from disseminating harmful misinformation.
Poonawala stated that Rahul Gandhi has a history of making anti-India statements, often traveling to Berlin to propagate negative narratives about the country, whether against the military, constitutional institutions, or the Hindu faith. He emphasized that Gandhi's claims about India's economy being lifeless are misleading, asserting that such leaders are not true representatives of the opposition.
He further noted that India's economy has now reached the fourth position globally, a significant rise from the eleventh position during Manmohan Singh's tenure. Poonawala expressed confidence that within the next two to three years, India will become the third-largest economy. He urged Gandhi to stop tarnishing India's image and spreading malicious propaganda. Previously, in July 2025, Gandhi echoed former U.S. President Donald Trump's statement about a 'dead economy,' asserting that everyone except the Prime Minister and Finance Minister recognizes the truth about India's economic state.
A press release from the central government highlighted that with a GDP exceeding $4.18 trillion, India is now the fourth-largest economy in the world, with expectations of climbing higher in the global rankings in the coming years. The second quarter of the fiscal year 2025-26 recorded an 8.2% growth in India's real GDP, marking the highest level in six quarters, reflecting strong domestic demand despite a challenging global trade environment. This growth follows a 7.8% increase in the first quarter and a 7.4% rise in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rashid Alvi criticized the GDP calculation method, alleging that the Indian government employs a consumer-based approach rather than the production-based method adopted globally.