New Delhi [India], May 25: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Kumar Jha on Sunday questioned the tangible impact of India becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy, raising concerns over persistent hunger, rising income inequality, and lack of inclusive growth.
His remarks followed a statement by NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, who on Saturday cited IMF data showing that India has overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy globally. Subrahmanyam made the announcement during a press briefing at the 10th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, themed “Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
According to the International Monetary Fund’s April 2024 World Economic Outlook, India’s nominal GDP is projected to reach USD 4.187 trillion in fiscal 2026, narrowly surpassing Japan’s estimated USD 4.186 trillion. India had previously held the position of the world’s fifth-largest economy until 2024.
However, RJD’s Manoj Jha urged for a more holistic assessment of growth.
“The common citizen understands the economy better when progress and prosperity reach every home. What about our ranking in the Hunger Index? Where do we stand on inclusive growth? Why is income inequality worsening?” Jha asked.
He emphasized that mere GDP expansion doesn’t reflect the well-being of citizens, particularly when socioeconomic disparities persist.
Jha also took issue with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent comments made at the NITI Aayog meeting. Sarma had criticized former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, stating Nehru failed to incorporate Chittagong into India and that Gandhi did not secure a broader Northeast corridor after the 1971 war.
Calling Sarma’s remarks “astonishing,” Jha responded sharply:
“Some leaders seem to lack a deeper understanding of our history. This narrative suggests that India’s story began in 2014, ignoring decades of governance, sacrifice, and national struggle.”
Jha expressed concern that such comments diminish the legacy of India’s post-independence journey and oversimplify the complex geopolitical and historical realities that have shaped the nation.