BJP credits 8.2% GDP growth to PM Modi, takes swipe at Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi: As the Indian economy recorded a six-quarter high growth of 8.2 per cent, the BJP on Friday attributed it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "decisive leadership" and took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, asking where are those who said "economy is dead".

As per data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO), the Indian economy grew by a higher-than-expected 8.2 per cent -- a six-quarter high -- as increased factory production in anticipation of a consumption boost from the GST rate cut helped offset deceleration in farm output.

The growth in the second quarter, which compared to 7.8 per cent in the preceding three months and 5.6 per cent in the year-ago period, was also aided by a good showing by the services sector, which clocked double-digit growth.

Commenting on the development, BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya said, "While the global economy struggles with uncertainty and a sharp slowdown, India continues to surge ahead, powered by Prime Minister Modi’s decisive leadership, reform momentum, and policy stability." He said transformative steps such as GST rationalisation, prudent fiscal discipline, and calibrated monetary coordination have triggered a virtuous cycle of investment and consumption, placing India firmly at the centre of global growth.

"India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy in Q2 FY26, posting an impressive 8.2 per cent growth in July-September 2025... Under PM Modi’s economic vision, India has effectively decoupled from the global downturn, driven by strong domestic demand, rising investment, and confidence in long-term reforms," Malviya said in a post on X.

"Under Prime Minister Modi, the India growth story isn't just steady, it's accelerating," he added.

BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla hailed the latest GDP data and took a veiled swipe at Gandhi, saying, "Where are those who said economy is dead? Their political careers are dead." Echoing US President Donald Trump's criticism of the Indian economy a few months ago, Gandhi had said everybody except Prime Minister Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman knew that the country's economy is "dead".

Speaking with reporters in the Parliament House complex on July 31, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had also alleged that the BJP-led government has destroyed the country's economic, defence and foreign policies, and is "running the country to the ground".

Flaying Gandhi over his "dead economy” remarks, BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, "Today's GDP estimates highlight India's roaring economic surge under PM Narendra Modi's NDA government." With an 8.2 per cent real GDP growth in Q2 FY 2025-26 (July-September), India outpaces all major economies, Bhandari said in a post on X., "High-frequency data" confirms sustained momentum and widespread consumption boom, he added.

"Yet, Rahul Gandhi's absurd 'dead economy' rants expose his ignorance and desperation--while India thrives, his outdated jibes crumble under facts,” The BJP spokesperson added.