The Congress party on Tuesday sharply criticized the Narendra Modi-led government as it completed 12 years in office, releasing an accountability report that accused the administration of failing to deliver on key promises related to employment, inflation, agriculture, economic growth, and governance.
Accountability Report Highlights
At a press conference in Delhi, AICC research department chairman Professor Rajeev Gowda and communication department research and monitoring in-charge Amitabh Dubey presented the 12-year report. They alleged that the government's extensive publicity campaigns have not translated into tangible improvements in people's lives, and that the gap between official claims and ground realities has widened over the years.
Employment Crisis
Gowda, citing official data, claimed that four out of every 10 graduates remain unemployed, urban youth unemployment stands at 18.4 per cent, and only 7 per cent of unemployed graduates secure a permanent salaried job within a year. He warned that India risks squandering its demographic dividend if quality jobs are not created. Referring to the Global Gender Gap Index, he noted that India's ranking fell from 108 to 131, reflecting a failure to create adequate job opportunities for women.
Economic Concerns
Questioning the government's economic narrative, Gowda said India slipped from fourth to sixth place in global economic rankings due to currency depreciation, describing the rupee as the worst-performing currency in Asia. He also alleged that foreign investors are withdrawing money from Indian markets, asking, "If this is the fastest-growing economy, then why are investors leaving?" The party further highlighted rising prices of LPG cylinders, petrol, diesel, milk, and pulses, which have increased pressure on household budgets.
MSME Sector
On the MSME sector, Gowda said nearly 40,000 enterprises shut down during the last financial year, affecting employment generation and economic activity.
Agriculture Distress
Turning to agriculture, the Congress said the government's promise to double farmers' incomes remains unfulfilled. Gowda alleged that farmer distress persists, claiming that on average, one farmer or farm labourer dies by suicide every hour during the last decade. He also cited farm debt of Rs 33.5 lakh crore as evidence of mounting pressure on the agricultural sector.
Foreign Policy and Energy Security
The party also questioned the government's foreign policy, saying India faces growing external pressures despite claims of strategic autonomy. Referring to tariff-related challenges and issues with Iran, the Congress said the country is facing increasing pressure on key strategic interests, describing it as the outcome of years of "melody diplomacy" where optics have taken precedence over protecting national interests. On energy security, the Congress alleged that despite promises of self-reliance, the government failed to adequately prepare for potential shortages of crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas.
Democratic Institutions
The Congress accused the government of weakening democratic institutions, citing concerns over the appointment process of Election Commission members, allegations of voter deletions, recurring examination paper leaks, and the prolonged ethnic violence in Manipur.
Summing up the report, Gowda said the last 12 years have been marked by "big announcements and grand claims," but publicity has increasingly replaced performance while the promised transformation in people's lives remains elusive.
