BJP seeks Rahul Gandhi apology after GDP data contradicts 'dead economy' charge
BJP demands Rahul Gandhi apologise for 'dead economy' remark, citing 7.8% Q1 GDP growth as evidence of economic resilience.
The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday demanded an apology from Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his recent criticism of the Indian economy, pointing to official growth figures as a rebuttal to his remarks.
Speaking at a press conference, senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad highlighted the 7.8% GDP growth recorded in the April-June quarter as evidence of the economy's strength under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He credited the Prime Minister's vision, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's stewardship, and the efforts of Indian industry, businesses, and workers for the robust performance.
Mr. Prasad asserted that the latest data had exposed what he called the "false and baseless" narrative propagated by the Congress party. He specifically took exception to Mr. Gandhi's "dead economy" remark, demanding a formal apology for what he described as unfounded allegations.
The demand comes amid an ongoing political tussle over economic messaging, with the ruling party using positive macro indicators to counter opposition criticism of the government's handling of the economy.