Sitharaman Defends Modi Govt, Rejects Rahul’s Economic Crisis Claims

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Jun 14, 2026: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday defended the Modi government’s 12-year record and accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of repeatedly undermining India’s achievements to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre.

Addressing BJP workers at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Samavesha in Bengaluru, Sitharaman dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s recent warning of an "economic tsunami" due to the West Asia crisis, asserting that India’s economy remains resilient despite global uncertainties.

"Quarter after quarter, year after year, India continues to be the fastest-growing economy," she said, adding that the country’s economic performance is reflected in GDP figures and recognised by international institutions, including the IMF.

She accused the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha of creating a false perception about India’s economic health by repeatedly predicting crises. Referring to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Sitharaman said disruptions in the region have affected global shipping and energy markets, but the government has ensured uninterrupted supplies and economic stability.

Highlighting the Modi government’s achievements, Sitharaman claimed that 25 crore people had been lifted out of multidimensional poverty and that major gains had been made in sanitation, drinking water access, LPG connectivity and food security.

She also cited the growth of India’s digital public infrastructure, stating that the country now has 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts, 144 crore Aadhaar identities and 125 crore mobile connections, while UPI has become a global model for digital payments.

Rejecting allegations that Karnataka had been neglected by the Centre, Sitharaman said the state received nearly Rs 4 lakh crore in tax devolution between 2014 and 2026, compared to Rs 82,000 crore in the corresponding pre-2014 period. She added that Karnataka had also received Rs 2.71 lakh crore in grants-in-aid and over Rs 18,000 crore under the Centre’s interest-free loan scheme.

Calling Viksit Bharat a national mission, Sitharaman urged citizens to contribute towards transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. She said Karnataka, as the country’s innovation hub, would play a key role in achieving the vision of a developed India.