Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, invoking the phrase “jhooth ki goonj” (echo of lies) as he celebrated India’s stronger-than-expected 7.8% GDP growth in the April-June quarter.
Speaking from Kyrgyzstan, where he is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, PM Modi said the latest economic figures had come despite global instability and what he described as attempts to spread misinformation within India. “Inside India too, people drowned in the depths of despair are spreading jhooth ki goonj (echo of lies) all around. Despite all these things, cutting through all those talks, the country has achieved 7.8% growth. We have to maintain this pace,” Modi said.
His remarks appeared to refer to the ongoing political exchange over Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign. The phrase ‘Jhooth Ki Goonj’ had been used by a political satire group to challenge Gandhi’s claims, with the BJP subsequently adopting the expression to target the Congress leader.
Earlier in his address, PM Modi congratulated Indians for the latest growth figures and credited the country’s “power of resolve” and hard work. “7.8% growth, the country is filled with happiness. But I congratulate citizens for their power of resolve, for their hard work; this is a reflection of collective power,” he said.
Pointing to wars, disrupted supply chains and continuing global uncertainty, Modi said India had maintained its growth momentum despite the difficult international environment. “Despite all these things, India is progressing at a fast pace,” he said.
The Prime Minister also called on citizens to promote domestic consumption under the “Swadeshi” and “Vocal for Local” campaigns, urging people to holiday and hold weddings within India where possible. “If you go on holiday, go to a place in India. Wedding destinations can be in India. We should live the mantra of ‘Wed in India’,” PM Modi said.
India’s 7.8% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026-27 was below the previous quarter’s 8.6%, but surpassed expectations and the Reserve Bank of India’s 7% forecast.
