Opposition leaders are jobless, says Goyal on India’s 7.8% GDP growth figure critics

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday criticised Opposition leaders and former officials who questioned India's 7.8 per cent GDP growth figure for the April–June 2026 quarter, calling them 'the only jobless people left' and accusing them of comparing an old data series with a new one.

Addressing the annual session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) in Delhi, Goyal said, "I saw several Opposition politicians on TV, including perhaps a former governor of the Reserve Bank of India or a former finance secretary, both of whom were unable to finish out their terms in office in India."

"They have no idea that comparing apples with apples is a good idea. By comparing growth rates [based on] an old series with a new series where the base year itself has changed, they are attempting to mislead the Indian populace," he added.