Since taking office as Prime Minister of India in 2014, Narendra Modi has made several statements and claims that have been challenged or proven to be inaccurate, raising questions about whether he has misled citizens. While the term "lied" implies intent, which is difficult to definitively prove, there are specific instances where Modi's assertions have not aligned with reality. Below are key examples:
- Job Creation:Modi promised to create 20 million jobs annually during his tenure. However, unemployment rates have remained high, with the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) reporting a rate of 6.1% in 2018—the highest in 45 years. This gap between promise and outcome suggests that the job creation claims were not fulfilled.
- GDP Growth:Modi frequently highlighted India's GDP growth as a success. Yet, in 2019, former Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian argued that growth figures were overestimated by 2.5 percentage points between 2011-12 and 2016-17, casting doubt on the accuracy of the economic progress Modi promoted.
- Demonetization:In 2016, Modi claimed that demonetization would eliminate black money and curb terrorism. However, the Reserve Bank of India reported in 2018 that 99.3% of demonetized currency returned to the system, indicating the policy did not achieve its stated goals.
- COVID-19 Preparedness:Modi assured citizens that India was well-prepared for the pandemic. However, the second wave in 2021 exposed severe shortages of oxygen, hospital beds, and vaccines, contradicting earlier assurances and drawing widespread criticism.
- Farm Laws:In 2020, Modi introduced agricultural reforms, asserting they would benefit farmers. Massive protests followed, and the laws were repealed in 2021, suggesting his claims did not reflect the reality for many farmers.
- Electoral Promises:Modi pledged to double farmers' income by 2022 during election campaigns. Data from the National Statistical Office shows this target was not met, marking another unfulfilled promise.
Fact-Checked Instances of Misleading Statements
Beyond unkept promises, fact-checking organizations have identified specific instances where Modi's statements were misleading. For example, Scroll.in's fact-check of five days of Modi's speeches in April 2024 revealed several falsehoods, including:Date | Claim | Fact |
---|---|---|
April 21 | Congress manifesto said it would survey, seize, and redistribute private wealth, including mangalsutras | Manifesto has no such reference ( Scroll.in) |
April 21 | Previous Congress government said Muslims have the first right to country’s resources | Distortion of Manmohan Singh’s 2006 speech about uplifting all disadvantaged sections ( Scroll.in) |
April 24 | Congress would impose inheritance tax, tax wealth inherited from parents | Manifesto has no reference; party distanced from related remarks ( Scroll.in) |