Hits back at Rahul Gandhi’s Dead Economy remark; says Opposition must acknowledge India’s economic achievements instead of spreading pessimism
Hamirpur/New Delhi, November 11, 2026
Former Union Cabinet Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his description of the Indian economy as a dead economy, asserting that the country’s impressive economic performance completely contradicts the Opposition’s narrative of gloom. He lauded the economic policies of the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that record GST collections, unprecedented festive sales, robust foreign exchange reserves and manageable inflation reflect India’s growing economic strength.
Highlighting the latest economic indicators, Thakur said India’s gross GST collection touched a historic ₹2.31 lakh crore in October 2026, registering a remarkable 22.9 per cent year-on-year growth. Additionally, 156.21 million e-way bills were generated during the month, reflecting increased commercial activity, stronger logistics and expanding movement of goods across the country. These figures, he said, demonstrate the sustained momentum of India’s economic growth.
Thakur further highlighted the remarkable performance of the retail sector during the November 2026 Diwali festive season, with sales exceeding ₹7 lakh crore. He said this unprecedented business activity reflected the growing purchasing power of Indian consumers and the resilience of the domestic market. Traditional retail establishments, small traders and businesses in tier-3 cities played a significant role in this impressive performance.
He observed that describing the Indian economy as dead while millions of traders, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and consumers are contributing to record economic activity is completely disconnected from ground realities. The Opposition, he said, must recognise the contribution of ordinary Indians rather than attempting to undermine the country’s achievements through politically motivated statements.
Referring to India’s macroeconomic stability, Thakur said the country’s foreign exchange reserves stood at over $717 billion in the last week of October 2026. Combined with manageable inflation, these strong economic fundamentals provide India with the resilience to withstand global economic uncertainties while safeguarding the interests of ordinary citizens and households.
Thakur emphasised that India’s economic progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the outcome of sustained structural reforms, improved administrative efficiency, digital transformation and the collective efforts of 1.4 billion Indians. He said the country’s growing economic strength is not a coincidence but the result of years of focused policymaking and the hard work of taxpayers, traders, farmers, entrepreneurs and workers.
Concluding his remarks, Thakur urged the Opposition to rise above political negativity and acknowledge the country’s achievements. He congratulated the people of India for their contribution to this remarkable economic journey and reiterated that the Central Government remains committed to strengthening India’s economic foundations, promoting self-reliance and ensuring sustained and inclusive growth.
