Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Modi Mocks Critics Amid Debate Over India’s Growth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to students at Shri Ram College of Commerce.
He said some critics complain about almost everything the government does.
He called these critics “angry uncles” and used another phrase, “dimaagi Naxals,” for ideological opponents.
Modi said India’s economy grew 7.8% in the first quarter of 2026-27.
Some people disagree and say the number may look higher because earlier figures were lowered.
Modi also pointed to more vehicle sales, energy production, construction and industrial activity.
He said India is doing better now than in 2013 in areas such as banking and railway electrification.
The speech came while people were also concerned about jobs, exam paper leaks and the rising costs of education and healthcare.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called his critics “angry uncles” and “dimaagi Naxals” during SRCC’s centenary celebrations.
He cited 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026-27 as evidence of India’s economic strength.
Critics have questioned whether the growth figure was inflated by lowering the previous year’s comparison base.
Modi highlighted higher energy production, vehicle sales, steel and cement consumption, and construction activity.
He contrasted current conditions with 2013, citing expanded banking access, railway electrification, reduced terrorism and stronger economic performance.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his critics and students and alumni of Shri Ram College of Commerce.
- What
- Modi defended his government’s economic and policy record while mocking critics and citing recent growth and development figures.
- When
- Saturday, during SRCC’s centenary celebrations; he referred to the first quarter of 2026-27 and conditions in 2013.
- Where
- Shri Ram College of Commerce in India.
- Why
- Modi aimed to highlight what he described as government achievements amid debate over GDP figures and public concerns about unemployment, exam paper leaks and rising education and healthcare costs.
Government’s claims
Critics’ concerns
Economic growth
Government’s claims
Modi presented 7.8% quarterly GDP growth, stronger production and sales indicators, and an upgraded rating from a Japanese credit-rating agency as evidence of economic progress.
Critics’ concerns
Critics cited in the report questioned whether the GDP figure had been inflated by lowering the previous year’s numbers.
Assessment of government performance
Government’s claims
Modi said his government improved railway electrification, expanded banking access and helped control terrorism, while contrasting current conditions with economic problems in 2013.
Critics’ concerns
The speech took place amid discontent over unemployment, exam paper leaks and rising education and healthcare costs.
Public criticism
Government’s claims
Modi portrayed opponents as people who reject initiatives such as UPI, the bullet train and new national buildings without recognizing their value.
Critics’ concerns
His critics, whom he labeled “angry uncles” and “dimaagi Naxals,” were described as continuing to challenge the government’s claims and policies.
- GDP growth cited
- 7.8% in the first quarter of 2026-27, according to Modi.
- Railway electrification
- Modi said railway-track electrification rose from 30% in 2014 to 100% after 12 years.
- Energy production
- Modi said energy production increased 9% between April and June.
- Vehicle sales
- Modi said vehicle sales rose 20%.
- Industrial indicators
- He said steel and cement consumption increased 8%, while construction and industrial activity also grew.
- Bank accounts
- Modi said nearly 60 crore new accounts were opened under the Jan Dhan Yojana.
- Criticism of GDP data
- Some critics suggested the growth figure was affected by deliberately lowering the previous year’s numbers.