"Slap on Opposition's face," says BJP's Syed Zafar Islam as Q1 GDP growth beats estimates

New Delhi [India], August 30 (ANI): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam on Friday hailed the latest GDP figures, terming the numbers a "slap on the face of the Opposition" and a testament to the robust growth of India's economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
BJP leader emphasised that the GDP numbers have surpassed expectations, showcasing the strength of India's economy amidst global economic challenges.
"The GDP figures are in, and they are another slap on the face of the Opposition. The figures have exceeded expectations and show that our country's economy is growing rapidly. This is the result of PM Modi's decisions taken over the last 11 years, which have enabled India's economy to remain strong when the world economy is struggling," he stated.
Commenting on the potential impact of US President Donald Trump's proposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods, Syed Islam acknowledged a short-term effect but expressed confidence in India's resilience due to the 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat' policy.
"Yes, Trump's 50 per cent tariffs will definitely have a short-term impact. In the long term, it will be mitigated due to PM Modi's 'Aatmnirbhar' policy," he said, highlighting the policy's role in bolstering economic self-reliance.
Real GDP has been estimated to grow by 7.8 per cent in Q1 of FY 2025-26 over the growth rate of 6.5 per cent during Q1 of FY 2024-25. Nominal GDP has witnessed a growth rate of 8.8 per cent in Q1 of FY 2025-26.
He also took a dig at critics who anticipated an economic downturn following the tariff announcement.
"Those who had previously kept us in the dock were happy after Trump announced increased tariffs, believing the country's economy would be ruined. But the country's economy is in strong hands," he asserted, crediting the Modi government's economic reforms for maintaining stability.
Real GDP or GDP at Constant Prices in Q1 of FY 2025-26 is estimated at Rs 47.89 lakh crore, against Rs 44.42 lakh crore in Q1 of FY 2024-25.
The Agriculture and Allied Sector has observed the Real GVA growth rate of 3.7%, as compared to the growth rate of 1.5% registered in Q1 of the last financial year.
Secondary Sectors, prominently Manufacturing (7.7%) and Construction (7.6%) Sector has registered above 7.5 per cent growth rate at Constant Prices in this quarter.
The data was released by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Friday. (ANI)