The Congress party on Thursday launched a vehement attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, citing the sharp rise in unemployment as a significant issue. Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh emphasized that the government continues to be ‘always in election mode’ rather than addressing pressing economic challenges.
Ramesh accused Modi of being preoccupied with crafting new speeches, diverting public attention from serious concerns rather than tackling them head-on. He stated, “Students, youth, farmers, labourers, workers, shopkeepers, employees, businessmen – not a single section is happy with this government,” highlighting a widespread discontent.
The former union minister specifically lamented the skyrocketing inflation, the plummeting value of the rupee, and the growing divide between rich and poor, which exacerbates the situation for millions from lower and middle-class families.
According to the latest report from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), India’s unemployment rate surged to 7.5% in October 2023, marking the highest level in six months. Ramesh expressed alarm over the growing job crisis, stating, “Millions of people have lost their jobs across sectors, including construction and IT banking.”
He pointed out that over 90 lakh people in the construction industry alone have become unemployed, while approximately 25 lakh salaried jobs have disappeared. Ramesh stressed that these alarming figures emerge repeatedly yet remain unresolved under Modi’s administration.
With a focus on Modi’s approach, Ramesh stated, “It seems Modi ji has no concern for the youth of this country. Always in election mode, he is busy crafting new narratives to distract the public from job losses.”
The Congress party has consistently criticized the government’s economic policies. They argue that rising prices, diminishing private investment, and stagnating wages significantly harm the common citizen. Congress leaders assert that the government must prioritize real economic reforms and job creation, instead of focusing solely on propaganda and political rhetoric.
In a country with a rapidly increasing young population, the government’s handling of unemployment could have long-term repercussions. Close to 70% of India’s population is under the age of 35, and this demographic has high expectations for job creation and economic stability.
Analysts state that effective economic policies are crucial for sustaining India’s growth trajectory. Experts believe that without immediate intervention and strategic planning, rising unemployment could hinder India’s ambitious goals for economic prosperity.
The Congress party aims to keep employment and economic issues in the forefront of national discourse as the general elections approach. Political analysts assert that economic management will likely be a critical determinant in the upcoming elections.