Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Congress questions government's economic figures ahead of Budget
The Congress Party released a report saying the government's economic numbers might not be accurate.
They claim the economy isn't doing as well as the government says, with rising inequality and less help for poor people.
They also say the rupee is performing badly, and many rich people are leaving the country.
The report mentions that pollution is a big problem, causing many early deaths and hurting the economy.
The Congress wants the government to share real numbers instead of manipulated ones.
Congress released a report questioning government's economic figures ahead of the Union Budget.
Claimed GDP figures are 2.5% higher than actual reality and manufacturing growth is overstated.
Rupee is the worst-performing Asian currency against the dollar, with negative net FDI.
Alleged rising inequality with 4/5 Indians earning less than Rs 200/day and household debt increasing.
Government's policies like MGNREGA are being scaled back, and pollution is causing economic harm.
- Who
- Congress Party's Research Department
- What
- Released a report questioning government's economic figures and policies
- When
- Ahead of the Union Budget presentation
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To highlight alleged economic mismanagement and inequality
Congress Party
Government
Economic Figures Accuracy
Congress Party
GDP figures are 2.5% higher than actual reality, manufacturing growth is overstated, and the rupee is the worst-performing Asian currency against the dollar.
Government
Government's economic figures are accurate and reliable.
Inequality and Welfare
Congress Party
Inequality is rising with the top 10% capturing 58% of national income, and welfare programs like MGNREGA are being scaled back.
Government
Government policies are aimed at reducing inequality and supporting welfare programs.
Economic Policies
Congress Party
Make in India initiative has failed, and job growth is concentrated in low-value, informal, and gig economy sectors.
Government
Make in India initiative is successful, and job growth is robust across various sectors.
- Report Title
- Inequality on the rise, Welfare in Retreat – Real State of the Economy 2026
- Reporting Body
- Congress Party's Research Department
- GDP Discrepancy Claim
- 2.5% higher than actual reality (Arvind Subramanian)
- Manufacturing Growth Claim
- 8.4% (government) vs 2.9% (core industries)
- Rupee Performance
- Worst-performing Asian currency against the dollar (last year)
- Net FDI
- Negative
- High-Net-Worth Individuals Leaving India
- 4,000-5,000 annually
- MGNREGA Funding Change
- From 90% to 60% by Centre
- Workers in Manufacturing
- Fell from 12.1% (2017-18) to 11.4% (2023-24)
- Agriculture's Share
- Rose from 44.1% to 46.1%
- Daily Income Statistics
- 4/5 Indians earn < Rs 200/day, 1/3 earn < Rs 100/day
- Household Financial Savings
- 5.2% (five-decade low)
- Household Debt
- 41% (up from 35% in 2019)
- Direct Tax Payments
- 53.4% by individuals (up from 38.1% in FY14)
- Premature Deaths Due to Pollution
- 20 lakh in 2023
- Economic Impact of Pollution
- 9.5% of GDP (2022)
Sources
Place real figures, not manipulated before country: Cong to govt ahead of Union Budget
Inequality rising, welfare retreating: Cong targets govt on GDP, FDI data
Inequality On Rise, Welfare In Retreat: Congress Slams Government
