BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari stated on Monday that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi owes an apology to the nation following India's 7.8 per cent real GDP growth in the first quarter of the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Bhandari highlighted that the latest figures confirm India as the world's fastest-growing major economy, outpacing both China and the United States. He said, “An apology to the nation is in order because Rahul Gandhi had labelled the Indian economy a dead economy. The latest figures regarding India’s GDP and growth rate reveal that India is the fastest-growing economy, boasting a growth rate of 7.8%. This means India is outperforming China and the United States.”
He noted that India has maintained this position for over six consecutive years and was considered among the Fragile Five economies during the Congress party's tenure.
According to Bhandari, India's strong economic fundamentals have endured despite international challenges. He said, “Despite the global energy crisis and global economic headwinds, India stands out as the only economy with strong fundamentals–one that is simultaneously achieving growth and creating jobs.”
He criticised Rahul Gandhi and his “global ecosystem” for their previous portrayal of India as a weak economy, stating, “Perhaps this is why Rahul Gandhi and his global ecosystem, which sought to portray India as a weak economy, are disappointed today. This entire pessimistic ecosystem owes the nation an apology.”
Bhandari attributed the economic performance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, saying, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian economy–driven by Indian entrepreneurs and the workforce–has reclaimed its status as the fastest-growing economy with a growth rate of 7.8%. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Indian economy is growing rapidly, jobs are being created, and economic fundamentals are robust.”
West Bengal Minister Dilip Ghosh also welcomed the 7.8 per cent GDP growth in the April-June quarter, stating in Kolkata on Tuesday that the government had nearly achieved its target.
“The government has nearly achieved the target it had set. People criticise a lot. The current government delivers on what it promises,” Ghosh said. He added, “Under PM Modi’s leadership, India is progressing in every aspect, be it law and order or sports, and is setting new milestones. There is GDP growth as well.”
Data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation indicated that India's real GDP grew by 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY27, covering April to June.
Real GDP was estimated at Rs 81.36 lakh crore in Q1 FY27, compared with Rs 75.46 lakh crore in the same period of FY26. The growth figure exceeded the Reserve Bank of India’s earlier estimate of 7 per cent for the quarter.
The RBI subsequently revised its real GDP growth forecast for the full fiscal year to 6.7 per cent from 6.6 per cent.
Nominal GDP, measured at current prices, was Rs 88.27 lakh crore in Q1 FY27, compared with Rs 80.00 lakh crore in Q1 FY26, representing a growth of 10.3 per cent.
Real gross value added was Rs 73.82 lakh crore during the quarter, up from Rs 68.21 lakh crore in Q1 FY26, marking an 8.2 per cent increase.
The Ministry noted that Q1 GDP estimates are subject to revision, as improved data coverage and updated inputs from various sources may affect future estimates.
The next quarterly GDP estimates, covering the July-September quarter of FY27, are scheduled to be released on November 30, 2026.
