Unveiling the Concept of ‘Hindutva Rate of GDP Growth’

Distinguishing from the ‘Hindu Rate of Growth’

• The term ‘Hindutva Rate of GDP Growth’ surfaced during a parliamentary discourse, differentiating itself from the economist Raj Krishna’s 1982 coinage of the ‘Hindu Rate of Growth,’ characterizing India’s 3.5% modest growth.

Decoding the ‘Hindutva Rate of Growth’

• The discussion stemmed from an MP attributing India’s recent 6.3% GDP growth to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies, linking expenditure alignment to ‘Dharma’ or the order.

Rooting in Historical and Religious Context

• The MP correlated economic shifts with pivotal Indian events like the Ram Temple movement and the Babri Masjid judgment by the Supreme Court.

Analyzing Growth Rates in Depth

• Despite robust GDP growth, India’s per capita income lags behind developed nations, raising pertinent disparities.

Post-Covid Economic Calculation

• A 7.8% ‘Hindutva Rate of Growth’ excludes the pandemic year, offering a distinct perspective on post-Covid economic resurgence.

Contrast with the ‘Hindu Rate of Growth’

• Including the Covid year in calculations mirrors the criticized ‘Hindu Rate of Growth,’ underscoring parallels.

Economic Trajectory under Different Governments

• Comparing Modi’s 5.8% average GDP growth to the Congress-led UPA’s 6.8% sheds light on differing economic performances amid global crises.

Historical Contextualization of Growth Trends

• Evaluating growth rates during various administrations, including PM Vajpayee’s and PM Narasimha Rao’s tenures, provides a comprehensive view of India’s economic journey.

Inferences and Culminations

• The ‘Hindutva Rate of Growth’ closely aligns with historical growth patterns, challenging assertions of its departure from past trajectories.

Electoral Ramifications

• This discourse prompts reflections on the significance of economic performance in Indian electoral dynamics, particularly considering the BJP’s emphasis on ‘Hindutva.’