India GDP Growth: BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi as ‘Nawab of Negativity’ Over 7.4% Data

A sharp political face-off has erupted following the release of India’s latest economic data, with the Bharatiya Janata Party launching a direct attack on Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the state of the Indian economy.

The controversy comes after official figures showed that India recorded a 7.4 per cent GDP growth, reinforcing its position as the fastest-growing major economy despite global headwinds such as trade disruptions and tariff pressures from the United States. The growth data has been seized upon by the BJP to counter the opposition’s repeated claims that the economy is slowing or in distress.

BJP National Spokesperson C R Kesavan launched a blistering critique of the Leader of the Opposition, accusing him of consistently portraying India in a negative light on global platforms. Responding to Gandhi’s earlier comments made in Germany, where he had suggested that India’s economy was “faltering” or “dead,” Kesavan said such claims stand completely discredited by the latest numbers.

“Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, is the leader of pessimism. He is the Nawab of negativity,” Kesavan said, asserting that the Congress leader’s economic narrative has been “fully exposed and punctured” by the strong GDP growth figures.

BJP Defends Economic Performance

Kesavan argued that the 7.4 per cent growth rate sends a clear message that India’s economic fundamentals remain strong even amid global uncertainty. He pointed out that rising interest rates worldwide, geopolitical tensions, and tariff-related challenges have not derailed India’s growth trajectory.

According to the BJP leader, the data reflects the impact of policy stability, infrastructure expansion, and reforms undertaken over the past decade. He said the growth figures validate the government’s long-term vision of transforming India into a developed nation.

Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, Kesavan said, India has continued to outperform most major economies, delivering sustained growth while maintaining macroeconomic stability.

“This is a fitting response to those who keep running down the country internationally. India remains resilient, aspirational and growth-driven,” he added.

Clash of Narratives Ahead of Elections

The exchange has once again highlighted the widening gap between the ruling party’s economic messaging and the opposition’s critique. While the government projects the growth numbers as proof of policy success and national confidence, the Congress has repeatedly questioned employment generation, income inequality and the distribution of economic gains.

However, BJP leaders insist that pessimistic messaging from the opposition damages India’s global image and investor confidence. Kesavan claimed that repeated negative statements made abroad reflect a mindset that does not align with national interest.

He further accused the Congress leadership of attempting to undermine India’s achievements for political mileage, especially at a time when the country is positioning itself as a global manufacturing and investment hub.

‘Viksit Bharat’ Versus Skepticism

The debate has also revived the broader ideological clash between the government’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and what the BJP describes as the opposition’s skepticism-driven politics.

Kesavan said the GDP numbers reflect not just economic growth, but also the confidence of global markets in India’s leadership and governance framework. He added that reforms in infrastructure, digital systems, manufacturing, and financial inclusion have strengthened India’s economic base.

As political temperatures rise ahead of upcoming elections, the GDP growth data is likely to remain a central talking point, with both sides using it to reinforce their competing narratives on India’s economic direction.