Amit Shah takes aim at Rahul's 'dead economy' remark

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday took a veiled jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while highlighting India’s economic growth and recent upgrades in its growth forecast and sovereign rating.

Addressing the UP International Trade Show 2026, Shah said some people were attempting to discredit India’s GDP figures, while citing Moody’s decision to raise its growth forecast for India from 6% to 7%. “Moody's has raised India's growth forecast from 6% to 7%. Japan's leading rating agency, JCR, has upgraded India's sovereign rating from BBB+ to A-, and in the last quarter, India maintained its strong momentum by achieving a growth rate of 7.8%,” Shah said.

The Union minister also said India had maintained and accelerated its growth despite global challenges. “Despite global turmoil, unrest, and numerous hurdles, India has not only sustained its growth rate but accelerated it. I can state with full confidence before the world that we will realize the resolve PM Modi has shared with the people of India, that by August 15, 2047, India will be number one globally across all sectors,” he said.

Taking a veiled swipe at "those who describe the Indian economy as a dead economy,” Shah said: “Yet, some people perceive this as a 'dead economy.' I tell them: those whose own mindset is 'dead' cannot see vibrancy; all they see around them is lifelessness.”

Shah also highlighted political stability under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying policy continuity and effective implementation had helped India emerge as a global manufacturing hub. “Political stability has become a hallmark of our leader, PM Modi. By earning the public's trust over 3 consecutive terms as Prime Minister, he has not only formulated policies but also ensured their consistent implementation on the ground, he said.

Earlier this year, Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi echoed US President Donald Trump’s remarks describing the Indian economy as “dead”, saying he agreed with the US president’s assessment. In a post on X, Gandhi listed five reasons that he said had contributed to the decline of the Indian economy and criticised the government’s handling of key economic issues.

"Economy is dead. Modi killed it," Rahul said.

"The Adani-Modi partnership; Demonetisation and a flawed GST; A failed 'Assemble in India' initiative; MSMEs wiped out; Farmers crushed," Rahul had said.

“Modi has destroyed the future of India’s youth because there are no jobs,” he added.