The Claim

On April 24, 2024, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate stated that the BJP is "running away from the core issues like unemployment and inflation" during the election campaign. She alleged that these critical issues were being sidelined because the BJP lacks the confidence to address them effectively.

The Facts

Contrary to Shrinate's assertion, available data paints a different picture regarding the BJP/NDA government's performance on unemployment and inflation. Official statistics and government initiatives demonstrate a concerted effort to tackle these economic challenges.
The Unemployment Rate (UR) on usual status for persons of age 15 years and above has decreased from 6.0% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24.
Source: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
This significant reduction in the unemployment rate directly contradicts the claim that the BJP is ignoring the issue. While fluctuations may occur, the overall trend indicates improvement.
India's employment increased by 36% from 471.5 million in 2014-15 to 643.3 million in 2023-24. 171.9 million jobs were added during the Modi government's first decade, compared to 29 million under the UPA.
Source: Economic Survey, Ministry of Finance
This substantial increase in employment figures highlights the job creation efforts under the BJP/NDA government. The addition of 171.9 million jobs contrasts sharply with the 29 million jobs added during the UPA regime, showcasing a significant difference in performance. Regarding inflation, the data also challenges the Congress's narrative.
The average inflation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure stands at 5.1%, a significant drop compared to the 8.1% in the UPA regime.
Source: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data
This comparison demonstrates a clear improvement in inflation management under the BJP/NDA government. The lower average inflation rate indicates effective policies aimed at controlling price increases.
Inflation Rate in India increased to 3.21 percent in February from 2.74 percent in January of 2026.
Source: Indian Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Year-on-year inflation rate based on All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the month of January, 2026 over January, 2025 is 2.75%.
Source: Indian Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
While inflation rates fluctuate month to month, the overall trend shows that the government is actively monitoring and managing inflation.

Government Record

The BJP/NDA government has implemented several initiatives aimed at addressing unemployment and inflation: * **Job Creation Initiatives:** The "Make in India" initiative aims to boost domestic manufacturing and create employment opportunities. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) focuses on skill development to enhance employability. Increased budgetary provisions for MNREGA have also contributed to rural employment. * **Inflation Control Measures:** The government has set the Indian Central Bank's inflation target at 4%, with a 2% point band, to maintain price stability. Market controls on agricultural goods have been imposed to curb food inflation. The government has also offloaded wheat and rice from the central pool under the Open Market Sale Scheme to control retail prices. Furthermore, measures like reducing LPG prices have been taken to benefit consumers. * **Other Economic Achievements:** India has become the 5th largest economy globally, demonstrating overall economic progress. Significant improvements in infrastructure development, such as increased road construction and railway electrification, have also contributed to economic growth and job creation.
"The government is committed to sustainable and inclusive growth, with a focus on job creation and price stability." - Excerpt from a PIB Press Release on Economic Performance

The Verdict

Based on the available data and government initiatives, Supriya Shrinate's claim that the BJP is running away from the core issues of unemployment and inflation is **MISLEADING**. The BJP/NDA government has actively addressed these issues through various policies and initiatives, resulting in demonstrable improvements compared to the UPA era. While challenges remain, the government's focus and efforts are evident in the data.