Sharmila Declares ‘Time’s Up’ for Modi Government

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila on Thursday launched a strong criticism of the Narendra Modi -led Union government, alleging that its decade-long rule has weakened the country's economy , democratic institutions , and public confidence. Her remarks, including the statement that “Modi ji’s time is up,” drew an immediate response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) .

In a post on X, Sharmila claimed that the BJP inherited a stable economy and strong institutions when it assumed power in 2014 but had failed to strengthen them over the years. She alleged that public trust in institutions has eroded and raised concerns about their autonomy and functioning.

Referring to issues frequently highlighted by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi , Sharmila argued that government policies have encouraged wealth concentration while placing increasing pressure on ordinary citizens and smaller businesses. She warned that such an economic model could leave the country exposed during periods of global uncertainty.

The APCC chief cited unemployment , declining household savings, stress on small and medium enterprises , and widening inequality as signs of economic distress. She also accused the government of focusing more on image-building than on addressing structural challenges related to employment, investment, and social cohesion.

According to Sharmila, voters are increasingly evaluating governments on their performance rather than their promises, and a growing section of the public is seeking accountability on economic and governance issues.

The BJP rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated. Senior Andhra Pradesh BJP leader Sadineni Yamini Sharma said India has made substantial progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, pointing to advancements in infrastructure, manufacturing, digital technology, and the startup sector.

She noted that India has emerged as the world's fourth-largest economy and argued that the country's development trajectory reflects the success of the government's policies. Yamini Sharma also dismissed suggestions that Modi's popularity is declining, saying voters have repeatedly reaffirmed their support for him in successive elections.

Questioning the opposition's criticism, she highlighted the expansion of highways and airports, the rapid growth of digital payments, rising foreign investment, and the country's thriving startup ecosystem as indicators of economic strength.

The sharp exchange reflects the continuing political battle over India's economic performance and institutional health, with both the Congress and the BJP offering contrasting assessments of the country's direction under the Modi government.