A blockbuster GDP growth of 8.2% for Q1 FY25 has ignited a political firestorm in New Delhi. BJP leaders are popping champagne, attributing the surge squarely to the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ roadmap. ‘From Atmanirbhar Bharat to Gati Shakti, our reforms are delivering results,’ boasted Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s office, highlighting capex cycles, PLI schemes, and export rebounds.
Not so fast, say opposition heavyweights. Calling it a ‘dead economy’ on life support, Rahul Gandhi quipped, ‘Numbers look good on paper, but kitchens are empty and youth are jobless.’ Data backs some concerns: urban unemployment hovers at 9%, farmer incomes stagnate, and inflation bites into savings. TMC’s Mamata Banerjee accused data fudging, demanding independent audits.
Diving deeper, the growth breakdown reveals strengths in services (booming IT and tourism) and public spending, offset by weak private capex. IMF projections align with 7% annual growth, but warn of monsoon risks and global slowdowns. Corporate India cheers tax stability, with Adani and Tata groups announcing mega investments.
This clash underscores India’s polarized polity. As bypolls loom, BJP eyes credit grab, while INDIA bloc pushes ‘Nyay Patra’ promises. For the man on the street, the question remains: will this GDP fairy tale end with jobs, homes, and hope? Watch this space as monsoons and budgets shape the narrative.