The Congress criticized the Modi government over rising unemployment, citing the India Employment Report 2024 by ILO and IHD. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called it a "ticking bomb" and criticized the government for not addressing the issue. Jairam Ramesh highlighted concerns over the past decade, noting minimal employment growth despite new job entrants. He also pointed out high urban and rural youth unemployment rates and a shift towards low-paying informal jobs without social security under the Modi government.
