Congress slams Modi government over GDP slowdown, calls out 'voodoo economic policies'

NEW DELHI: The Congress intensified its criticism of the government on Tuesday, blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's " voodoo economic policies " for India's GDP growth hitting a near two-year low of 5.4% in the July-September quarter. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of creating a "vicious cycle" of low growth, high unemployment, shrinking incomes, and rising prices.

Kharge cites widening inequalities

In a post on X, Kharge said, "The growth rate is declining. There are no jobs for the youth. Inflation has drained the pockets of the common people. The gap of economic inequality is widening." He also highlighted the rupee's depreciation to 85 against the dollar, calling it the "second weakest currency in Asia," and accused the government of favoring billionaires over small businesses.

Kharge shared an old audio clip of PM Modi criticizing GDP trends during Congress' tenure, remarking, "You will not listen to the voice of the people; listen to your own voice!"

Party spokesperson flags economic concerns

At a press conference, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate described the GDP figure as a warning of economic distress. She emphasized that GDP reflects jobs, investments, consumption, and trade, all of which have suffered.

"Private consumption growth has slumped to 5.9%, exposing weak demand in both urban and rural India. Manufacturing growth is at a mere 2.2%, undermining the 'Make in India' narrative," Shrinate said, adding that government expenditure fell from Rs 4.15 lakh crore in Q1 to Rs 4.01 lakh crore in Q2.

Inflation and savings under pressure

Shrinate pointed out that inflation remains stubbornly high, with vegetable prices soaring by 42%—the steepest rise in five years. "Amid high unemployment, stagnant wages, and back-breaking prices, families are forced to dip into their savings, which have nearly halved over the past five years," she said.

"Thanks to Narendra Modi and his voodoo economic policies, India is in the middle of a vicious economic cycle -- low growth, no jobs, low income, high prices, drop in savings and rise in loans," she said.

The rupee's depreciation, coupled with declining foreign reserves, signals deeper issues, Shrinate argued. "From inheriting the rupee at Rs 58 to the dollar, it is now dangerously close to Rs 85," she noted.

'Real challenges ignored'

Accusing the government of being in denial, Shrinate questioned its focus on propaganda over policy. "When will the Modi government address rising economic inequality, low growth, low wages, and high prices?" she asked.

While India remains the fastest-growing major economy globally, with China’s growth at 4.6% in the same quarter, the Congress asserted that the real per capita impact and worsening inequality demand urgent attention.