Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Modi Links 7.8% GDP Growth to “Jhooth Ki Goonj” Attack
India’s economy grew by 7.8 percent from April to June.
This was faster than many experts had expected.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the growth showed that people were working hard and staying determined.
He said wars, crises and broken supply chains were causing problems around the world.
Modi also criticized people he said were spreading discouraging claims, calling this an “echo of lies.”
His words appeared connected to criticism involving Rahul Gandhi and a campaign called “Chhatron Ki Goonj.”
Modi asked people to buy Indian-made goods and support “Vocal for Local.”
He also discouraged unnecessary gold purchases, foreign holidays and overseas weddings.
July passenger-vehicle sales rose strongly, providing another sign of domestic demand.
India’s economy grew 7.8% in the April-June quarter of FY27, exceeding expectations amid global uncertainty.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi credited citizens’ resolve, hard work and collective strength for the economic performance.
Modi said wars, crises, disrupted supply chains and continuing instability since the Covid period had not halted India’s growth.
He used “Jhooth Ki Goonj,” or “echo of lies,” in an apparent criticism of detractors and Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign.
Domestic passenger-vehicle sales reached 4.58 lakh units in July, rising 34.3% year-on-year to a record July level.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party and India’s citizens are mentioned.
- What
- India reported 7.8% GDP growth for the April-June quarter of FY27, after which Modi praised the economy and criticized what he called an “echo of lies.”
- When
- The GDP data was released on Monday, and Modi’s remarks were reported on Tuesday; the figures cover April through June.
- Where
- The economic data concerns India. According to one report, Modi recorded the video from Kyrgyzstan while attending a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit; another report gives New Delhi as its dateline.
- Why
- Modi said the growth reflected citizens’ determination despite global wars, crises and supply-chain disruptions, while using the announcement to promote his economic agenda and criticize detractors.
Opposition Critics
Modi and BJP Response
Interpretation of economic performance
Opposition Critics
The reports mention Rahul Gandhi’s past criticism of the Indian economy, including descriptions such as “dead economy” and predictions of an “economic tsunami,” but do not provide his direct response to the 7.8% figure.
Modi and BJP Response
Modi presented the growth as evidence of India’s resilience and collective strength despite global instability. BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad called for Rahul Gandhi to apologise for what he described as false and baseless economic allegations.
“Jhooth Ki Goonj” accusation
Opposition Critics
The phrase was directed at people Modi described as being immersed in despair. The reports do not include a direct Opposition response to the allegation.
Modi and BJP Response
Modi said the latest GDP figures had exposed an “echo of lies.” The BJP and an associated political-satirical social media group used the phrase in criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign.
How to sustain growth
Opposition Critics
The articles do not specify an opposing economic program or position on Modi’s proposals.
Modi and BJP Response
Modi urged citizens to buy Swadeshi goods, support “Vocal for Local,” avoid unnecessary gold purchases and favour domestic holidays and weddings under the “Wed in India” message.
- GDP growth
- 7.8% in India’s April-June quarter of FY27
- Growth comparison
- The rate was described as faster than expected and ahead of other large economies in the comparison
- Passenger-vehicle sales
- 4.58 lakh domestic units in July, up 34.3% from a year earlier
- Political phrase
- “Jhooth Ki Goonj” means “echo of lies”
- Campaign context
- The phrase appeared linked to criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s “Chhatron Ki Goonj” student-outreach campaign
- Bharatiya Janata Party claim
- The party said 29 of 40 statements by Gandhi at four campaign-related events were false and 11 were misleading
- Economic appeals
- Modi promoted Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, Vocal for Local and “Wed in India,” while discouraging unnecessary gold purchases
