BJP Hits Back At Rahul Gandhi, Says 7.8 Per Cent GDP growth Proves India’s Economy Is Thriving, Not Dead

The BJP on Saturday (30 August) said India’s stronger-than-expected 7.8 per cent GDP growth in April-June was the “hardest slap of reality” for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently described the country as a “dead economy”, The New Indian Express reported.

According to government data released on Friday, the economy expanded 7.8 per cent in April-June — the highest growth in five quarters — before US tariffs were imposed.

Officials said the growth was driven mainly by strong farm sector performance.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Chouhan said those calling it a “dead economy” must realise India is a “long live economy” on track to become developed and self-reliant.

"Those who call it a 'dead economy' should now understand that India is a 'long live economy', which is on the path to realising the dream of a developed and fully self-reliant India," he said.

“The sweat of Indian farmers, the hard work of scientists, and the 140 crore Indians have shown their strength,” Chouhan said on X, adding that the country is moving forward under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya said Gandhi’s remarks had been disproved, calling the GDP data “the hardest slap of reality”.

"For the acerbic, delusional, frustrated, and rejected Rahul Gandhi -- the same man who declared India a 'dead economy' -- the latest GDP numbers are the hardest slap of reality," Malviya wrote on X.

“India has just clocked 7.8 per cent GDP growth in Q1 of FY 2025-26, leading the world’s major economies. The only thing ‘dead’ is Rahul Gandhi’s credibility,” Malviya added.

In another post, he said India continues to grow “quarter after quarter”, leaving “doomsayers” scrambling.

Rahul Gandhi had recently attacked the Modi government after former US President Donald Trump called India a “dead economy” while announcing tariffs and penalties over trade and defence ties with Russia.

The Leader of Opposition alleged that the government had destroyed India’s economic, defence, and foreign policies, “running the country to the ground”.

Also Read : Maharashtra Signs 17 MoUs Worth Rs 33,769 Crore; 33,483 Jobs To Be Created