Shiv Sena (UBT) criticizes India's GDP growth amid economic distress

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has criticized the Modi government, arguing that reported quarterly GDP growth of 7.8 per cent fails to reflect the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens. In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, the group accused the central government of “grandstanding” while ignoring issues such as joblessness and the falling value of the rupee.

The party highlighted several indicators of economic distress, including the fact that 85 crore citizens rely on free food grains for survival and a reported 7,000 farmer suicides within a single year. In Maharashtra, the party noted that unpaid government bills to contractors have exceeded Rs 90,000 crore, contributing to financial ruin and suicides among contractors.

Further criticisms were directed at the unspent Rs 10,000 crore in the PM CARES Fund and rising inflation. The editorial cited significant price hikes effective September 1 for essential goods, including milk, jaggery, onions, and CNG, which have increased the cost of living for domestic households.