Mallikarjun Kharge, the chief of Congress, launched a scathing critique of the current government's economic strategy. He challenged the Finance Minister’s assertion that the economy is generating “good returns,” stating that an enormous sum has been lost from the stock markets, with key market indices showing stagnating profit growth. Kharge emphasized that these market setbacks are occurring as the nation faces the threat of a global tariff war and a manufacturing sector in distress.
In addition, Kharge blasted the government’s trade policies, pointing out that the nation’s trade deficit is soaring alongside a drastic rise in imports. He contrasted the export growth achieved under the previous UPA regime with the minimal gains secured by the current administration, arguing that the results under the Modi government are starkly unsatisfactory. According to Kharge, the tax cuts aimed at job creation have instead resulted in reduced employment opportunities among the companies that benefited.
Kharge also highlighted broader economic issues, including depreciating currency values, increasing youth unemployment, rising prices that erode savings, and stagnant rural wages. He contended that these factors collectively illustrate a lack of vision and sound policy, ultimately costing the country dearly in terms of economic wealth and the financial wellbeing of its citizens.