Modi's Economic Propaganda in 2025: Achievements and Accusations

 

Modi's Economic Propaganda in 2025: Achievements and Accusations

As of November 30, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government continues to project a robust economic story for India, emphasizing high growth, structural reforms, and global leadership. This narrative is amplified through official channels, social media campaigns, and international forums like the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where Modi proposed six global initiatives on healthcare, climate, technology, and economic development tailored for the Global South. However, critics from opposition parties, economists, and independent media accuse the government of "propaganda" – selectively highlighting successes while downplaying persistent challenges like inequality, joblessness, and unfulfilled promises. Below, I'll break down the key elements, drawing from recent developments. India is on track to become the world's third-largest economy by 2028, overtaking Japan and Germany, with FY25–26 GDP growth at 7.8% in Q1. Modi reiterated a $10 trillion economy by 2047 (India's independence centenary), shifting from the unachieved $5 trillion goal by 2025. Infrastructure spending remains aggressive: highways at 34 km/day, metro networks expanding to 1,013 km, and 400 Vande Bharat trains launched. Pharma exports hit $30.5 billion in FY25; India overtook China in U.S. smartphone exports. UPI transactions surpassed Visa globally, with 65,000 crore digital payments worth ₹12,000 lakh crore in six years. Poverty fell from 29% to 11% in nine years.

Unmet Promises and Propaganda Allegations

Opposition leaders like Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi label Modi's speeches "lofty but meaningless," accusing the government of "fake news and propaganda" over issues like unemployment and inequality. Independent analyses echo this, pointing to data manipulation claims and a focus on image-building over substance.  The "Make in India" initiative (launched 2014) aimed for 25% manufacturing GDP share by 2025 and 100 million jobs but achieved neither – manufacturing dipped to 15.9% of GDP. The $5 trillion economy promise by 2025 is a "pipe dream," with actual estimates at $3.9–4.2 trillion. Demonetization (2016) and GST rollout are blamed for job losses. Growth is unequal, with the top 1% holding 40% of wealth (bottom 50%: 6%). Unemployment remains high (especially youth), with blue-collar demand rising but white-collar salaries falling. Household debt is at record highs, consumer demand declining, and MSMEs struggling amid inflation breaching 4%.

In summary, Modi's 2025 economic propaganda portrays India as a resilient powerhouse, backed by reforms and data. Yet, substantiated critiques reveal gaps in delivery, fueling debates on whether this is genuine progress or polished optics. For a deeper dive, sources like The Economist and Reuters provide balanced timelines.