PM Narendra Modi calls Congress's past growth the 'Congress Rate' in Delhi speech

On June 10, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed National Democratic Alliance leaders at the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, marking his record as India’s longest‑serving elected prime minister.

Modi sharply criticised the Congress party, saying the sluggish growth previously labeled the “Hindu rate of growth” should be renamed the “Congress rate of growth”. He accused the Congress-era government of a “complete absence of governance, policy, intent and decisiveness,” stating, “It should have been named ‘Congress Growth Rate’.”

He contrasted that with what he termed the “NDA rate of growth”, citing achievements such as expanding airports from 74 in 2014 to over 160 by 2026, expressways from 1,000 km to 6,700 km, metros in more than 20 cities, defence exports rising from ₹700 crore to ₹23,000 crore, internet users increasing from 25 crore to over 100 crore, and India becoming a global leader in digital transactions.

Modi thanked his alliance partners, praised the stability provided by the NDA government, and urged continued progress under the current development model.