Lucknow, Sept. 4 -- What does a 7.8% GDP growth rate mean to a family still struggling with poverty, unemployment and rising prices? BSP chief Mayawati has posed that question amid a debate over the government's first-quarter growth figures, saying economic growth must be measured by its impact on ordinary people.

In a post on X on Friday, Mayawati said the reported growth would be welcome if the figures were accurate, but warned that any manipulation of data would be a matter of concern. She called on the government to explain clearly what the high growth rate has delivered for the country's poor and working people and what they can expect in the future.

Mayawati said development figures could not be viewed in isolation from conditions...