The Congress party has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, releasing a report titled “Promise vs Reality” that assesses the BJP-led administration’s performance after 12 years in power and two years into its third consecutive term. Presented as a report card on governance since 2014, the document accuses the government of falling short on major promises related to employment, inflation, economic growth, welfare delivery, education and foreign policy.
The report was unveiled as the BJP marked the anniversary of the Modi government’s third term, with Congress seeking to challenge the ruling party’s narrative of economic progress and development. Opposition leaders argued that while the government continues to highlight headline achievements, many citizens are facing rising living costs, limited employment opportunities and increasing economic uncertainty.
At the launch, senior Congress leader Rajeev Gowda summed up the opposition’s argument with one of the report’s strongest lines, stating that “propaganda has replaced performance.” According to Congress, the report compares promises made by the government over the past decade with current realities across multiple sectors.
Economy Under Scrutiny
A central focus of the report is the economy. Congress argues that strong GDP growth figures alone do not reflect the challenges facing ordinary Indians. The party points to concerns over unemployment, weak private investment, slowing consumption and growing pressures on small businesses.
The report also highlights economic indicators that Congress says raise questions about the government’s performance, including foreign investor outflows, pressure on the rupee and concerns over foreign direct investment trends. According to the opposition, these developments suggest that economic growth has not translated into broad-based prosperity.
Rahul Gandhi accused the government of pursuing policies that have disproportionately affected lower and middle-income households.
“The poor, the middle class, farmers, workers and small business owners are paying the price of anti-poor economic policies. Economic growth means little if it does not improve the lives of ordinary Indians,” he said.
Congress also devoted significant attention to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), arguing that the sector continues to face financial and operational challenges despite being a major source of employment. The party claims that difficulties faced by smaller businesses have limited job creation and weakened local economies.
The BJP, however, maintains that India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and has demonstrated resilience despite global economic uncertainty.
Inflation and Fuel Prices
The report identifies inflation and rising living costs as among the most immediate concerns for Indian households. Congress argues that increases in fuel and cooking gas prices have placed additional pressure on families already struggling with household expenses.
According to the opposition, higher fuel costs have contributed to increases in transportation and food prices, affecting both urban and rural consumers. Congress also criticised changes to cooking gas subsidies, arguing that support available to low-income households has weakened over time.
Rahul Gandhi said ordinary citizens are bearing the burden of rising costs.
“Every increase in fuel prices eventually reaches the kitchen table. Families are paying more for transport, food and daily necessities while their incomes struggle to keep pace,” he said.
The report contends that inflation should be measured not only through economic data but also through its impact on everyday life, including household budgets, nutrition and access to essential services. Congress has called on the government to provide greater relief to consumers facing sustained price pressures.
Government ministers have defended their record, arguing that global energy market disruptions and geopolitical tensions have affected economies worldwide and that India has managed inflation better than many comparable countries.
Foreign Policy Under Fire
Congress also used the report to question the government’s foreign policy approach, linking international developments to economic challenges at home.
Rahul Gandhi argued that diplomatic decisions should ultimately be judged by their impact on citizens.
“A compromised foreign policy carries economic consequences. When strategic decisions fail to protect national interests, ordinary Indians are the ones who ultimately bear the burden,” he said.
The opposition argues that foreign policy success should not be measured solely through international engagements and diplomatic visibility but also through economic security, energy stability and protection from global shocks.
The BJP rejects these criticisms, pointing to India’s growing international influence, expanding strategic partnerships and increasingly prominent role in global affairs under Modi’s leadership.
Jobs and Welfare Concerns
Employment remains one of the most politically sensitive issues highlighted in the report. Congress argues that despite repeated promises of job creation, many young Indians continue to face difficulties securing stable employment opportunities.
The report raises concerns about graduate unemployment and claims that economic growth has not generated enough quality jobs to meet the aspirations of India’s expanding workforce. Congress also argues that challenges facing MSMEs have had a direct impact on employment generation.
“India’s youth were promised opportunities and jobs. Many continue to compete for a limited number of positions while uncertainty about the future continues to grow,” Rahul Gandhi said.
The report further highlights concerns regarding education and skill development, arguing that reforms in these areas must be matched by stronger employment opportunities. Congress also calls for stronger welfare protections to shield vulnerable communities from inflation and economic shocks.
Battle Over Accountability
At its core, the “Promise vs Reality” report is an attempt by Congress to frame the political debate around accountability. The party argues that governments should be judged on outcomes rather than announcements and that promises made since 2014 should be measured against current realities.
“The purpose of this report is to compare promises with reality and examine whether the commitments made to the people of India have actually been fulfilled,” Rahul Gandhi said.
The BJP has dismissed the opposition’s assessment, highlighting its record on infrastructure, welfare delivery, economic reforms and India’s growing global profile. Yet the Congress report signals the opposition’s intention to keep issues such as inflation, employment, welfare support and governance at the centre of political debate.
As both sides intensify their arguments, the competing narratives over the Modi government’s record are likely to remain a defining feature of India’s political landscape in the months ahead.
