Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) has once again launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah through its party mouthpiece Saamana. The editorial mocked the central government, calling it an "uneducated university of lies," with Amit Shah as its self-appointed vice chancellor. It questioned the credibility of the Modi government’s claims about India becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy while failing to deliver on key promises like employment generation and rural welfare.

"Where Are the Promised 2 Crore Jobs?"

Saamana raised a sharp query: If India is now the fourth-largest global economy, why has the Modi government failed to provide the promised 2 crore jobs annually? It further criticized the suspension of employment programs like MNREGA and pointed out the ongoing recruitment freeze in government departments, including the railways.

Economic Claims vs. Ground Reality

Highlighting Amit Shah’s recent remarks in Mumbai—where he credited Modi with elevating India’s economy from the 10th to the 4th position—Saamana said, “The public is still trying to figure out when this miracle happened.” It argued that the benefits of this so-called economic rise are visible only to industrialists like Adani and Ambani, while the average Indian continues to struggle.

Poverty, Suicides, and Economic Disparities

The editorial painted a grim picture of the nation, citing incidents such as the suicide of six family members in Haryana due to financial distress. It asked, “If we are now a global economic power, why are farmers still committing suicide? Why are women in tribal and slum areas still giving birth on the streets?”

It also questioned why tendu leaves aren't being procured, why public sector undertakings are being privatized, and why the Laadli Behna scheme isn’t delivering the promised ₹2,100 monthly support to women.

Modi’s Industrialist Friends Gained, Not the People

Saamana accused the Modi government of favoring the elite, claiming that ₹16 lakh crore in loans for industrialists were written off, while farmers still struggle for MSP (Minimum Support Price). It criticized the economic model that, according to them, has widened inequality while failing to deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.

“Don’t Compare India to Japan—Compare It to China”

Taking aim at the government's frequent comparisons with Japan, Saamana labeled it a weak argument. “India should be compared to China, not Japan,” it said, noting that while China is a comparable giant, India lags far behind in per capita income, ranking 143rd globally. By contrast, China’s per capita income is almost five times that of India’s.

Policy Missteps: Demonetization, GST, and Inflation

The editorial squarely blamed the Modi government’s “destructive decisions” like demonetization and the implementation of GST for crippling the economy. Small businesses, it said, were the hardest hit. The rising cost of living—fuel, food, cooking gas—has left many families in economic despair, with some pushed to the brink of suicide.

"Gold-Making Machine, But No Jobs?"

Saamana also mocked a recent claim by a Uttar Pradesh minister about building a machine to convert waste into gold, asking sarcastically, “Why not create a machine that generates employment, lowers inflation, and increases per capita income instead?”

Conclusion: The Shiv Sena (UBT) has positioned itself as a fierce critic of the Modi government’s economic narrative, arguing that the real India is grappling with poverty, unemployment, and inflation—not celebrating global rankings. The editorial ends with a call for accountability and real solutions rather than political boasts and statistical spin.