New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- The Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D. Raja on Wednesday raised critical questions about the country's economic realities, emphasising the challenges faced by ordinary citizens, reacting to India being declared the world's fourth-largest economy.

Raja said to ANI, "That is what the government is claiming. It has surpassed Japan. But what is happening in the country? What is the value of the Indian rupee, and why is it falling to such a low level? What is the unemployment rate, and what about inflation? Prices are rising, yet poverty persists, and many continue to live below the poverty line."

He added, "The poor are becoming poorer. This is the reality that the government must address." Raja's rema...