Bengaluru, March 24, 2026 — Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad has sparked a fresh political debate by calling for a “very strong introspection” into India’s economic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even as the Prime Minister achieved a historic milestone of becoming the longest-serving head of government in the country.
The remarks came on Monday in Bengaluru when Lad was asked for his reaction to PM Modi completing 8,931 days in office — surpassing the previous record of 8,930 days held by former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. Modi’s tenure includes his time as Gujarat Chief Minister (2001–2014) and as Prime Minister since May 2014.
In a video statement widely circulated by news agencies ANI and PTI, Lad said:
“Today, Bangladesh’s per capita income is better than India’s. In the last 10 years, the Indian rupee has fallen by 60%. No one wants to discuss this. Smaller countries have outdone us. There is no growth in the country, and more debt. There has to be very strong introspection by the govt. I wish PM Modi all the best.”
Lad’s comments were part of a broader critique comparing India’s economic performance with smaller neighbours. He specifically highlighted currency depreciation and rising debt levels over the past decade-plus of Modi’s national leadership.
The statement comes amid ongoing political polarisation between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the BJP-led Centre. Lad, a senior Congress leader and minister in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s cabinet, has previously been vocal on economic issues, including allegations of internal discontent within the BJP over Modi’s leadership.
Reactions and fact-checks
Lad’s remarks triggered immediate backlash on social media, with several users and commentators accusing him of relying on outdated or selective data. Critics pointed out that:
- India’s per capita income (nominal) has remained ahead of Bangladesh’s in recent IMF and World Bank estimates, after a brief period during the COVID-19 pandemic when Bangladesh temporarily overtook India.
- The rupee’s depreciation against the US dollar over the last 10 years is closer to 25–35% (from around ₹62–65 in 2015–16 to ₹82–83 currently), not 60%.
- India continues to be among the fastest-growing major economies globally, with official projections for 2025–26 remaining robust despite global headwinds.
Many BJP supporters and independent observers dismissed Lad’s intervention as “WhatsApp economics” or politically motivated, arguing that the minister ignored massive infrastructure push, digital economy growth, and India’s rising global standing under Modi. Some even suggested he should focus on Karnataka’s own economic challenges instead of commenting on national issues.
No immediate official response from the BJP or the Prime Minister’s Office was available at the time of reporting, though the milestone itself was celebrated by several BJP leaders and state assemblies, including Delhi, with tributes to Modi’s “unwavering commitment to public service and nation-building.”
Context of the milestone
PM Modi’s record 8,931 days as head of government (as of March 2026) marks a significant political achievement. He first took oath as Gujarat CM in 2001 and has held continuous executive power since then. The record underscores his enduring popularity within the BJP and among supporters, even as the party faced a reduced majority in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Lad’s call for introspection taps into opposition narratives about job creation, farmer distress, currency weakness, and rising public debt — issues the Congress and INDIA bloc have repeatedly raised in Parliament and public forums.
As India heads towards its goal of becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, such contrasting views from ruling and opposition leaders highlight the deeply divided political discourse on the country’s economic trajectory.
The Labour Minister’s statement is likely to fuel further debates in the coming days, especially as Parliament sessions and state assemblies discuss economic priorities ahead of the next Union Budget. Whether it leads to any substantive policy discussion or remains a political slugfest remains to be seen.
Lad concluded his remarks with a polite note wishing the Prime Minister well, but the substance of his critique has already set the tone for renewed scrutiny of India’s growth story under the Modi era.
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