Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
India becomes 4th largest economy under PM Modi's visionary leadership: Sunil Jakhar
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, June 10, 2025: State BJP President Sunil Jakhar today hailed the 11-year tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a transformative era for India, crediting his leadership for the country’s rise to becoming the 4th largest economy in the world, surpassing even Japan.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Jakhar said, “This remarkable achievement is the result of Prime Minister Modi’s vision, commitment, and principled governance.”
He emphasized that a sustained 6.5% GDP growth rate under the Modi government has spurred industrial expansion, infrastructure development, and job creation on a large scale.
Milestones in Healthcare and Infrastructure
Highlighting major achievements, Mr. Jakhar noted that India had only 8 AIIMS institutions in 2014. “Today, that number has grown to 24 world-class AIIMS, including one in Bathinda, Punjab,” he said, underscoring the government's focus on public health infrastructure.
He added that over 55 crore citizens have received health insurance, 4 crore homes have been built for the underprivileged, 50 crore households have gained access to drinking water, and crores of toilets have been constructed—“marking a fundamental shift in the nation's standard of living.”
In terms of infrastructure, Mr. Jakhar cited the construction of over 55,000 kilometers of highways and expressways, describing it as a “phenomenal achievement that has reshaped India’s connectivity and logistics.”
Empowerment and Legislative Reforms
Calling the Women's Reservation Bill a “historic moment,” Mr. Jakhar said the BJP government has taken firm steps to ensure gender equality. “Empowering half the population is not just symbolism—it’s justice,” he said.
He also credited PM Modi for his “bold and principled” stand on Triple Talaq, calling it a necessary step toward women's rights. “Even some Islamic nations have not outlawed it. Yet, it was still practiced in India—until PM Modi put an end to that injustice,” he said.
Northeast Integration and Economic Reforms
Jakhar highlighted the integration of the North East region into the mainstream as a major national achievement. “From forgotten frontier to vibrant contributor—this transformation has given the ‘Seven Sisters’ their rightful place in national development,” he said.
On the economy, he added that the substantial rise in Minimum Support Price (MSP) has greatly benefited agricultural states like Punjab. “The value of food grain procurement this year alone has reached ₹68,771 crore, compared to ₹32,211 crore in 2014—a clear indicator of farmer-focused policies.”
Criticism of Opposition and State Government
When asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's critique of the past 11 years, Mr. Jakhar dismissed it as “myopic.” “When you have the 4th largest economy, record-breaking infrastructure development, and landmark social reforms—all visible to the public—such statements reflect a willful ignorance,” he said.
Taking aim at the AAP-led Punjab government, Jakhar lamented its handling of economic and law-and-order challenges, saying the party lacked “vision, commitment, and integrity” to govern effectively.