According to sources, Congress is expected to release a ‘Black Paper’ criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 10-year tenure, in response to the BJP-led Centre’s ‘White Paper’. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is likely to present the ‘Black Paper’.
On the other hand, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Centre’s proposed ‘White Paper’ in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha. BJP leader Jayant Sinha, who chairs the Standing Committee on Finance, stated that the ‘White Paper’ will showcase the contrast between India’s economic condition before and after 2014 when PM Modi assumed power.
Sinha emphasized that the ‘White Paper’ will highlight the positive changes brought about by the Modi-led government, contrasting it with the “poor economic condition” during the Congress-led UPA regime. Sinha further mentioned that India faced significant economic challenges during the UPA regime, including a slowdown in GDP growth, high inflation, and a balance of payment crisis.
The ‘White Paper’ aims to provide clarity on the economic situation before 2014 and how the government addressed these issues. In her Interim Budget speech, Sitharaman also acknowledged the economic problems of the pre-2014 period but stated that they have been overcome, and the economy is now on a sustainable growth path with comprehensive development.