'PM spreading lies; we'll correct situation in 2019'

India can never be Congress-mukt because the party is based on the Constitution, says Sibal

Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Kapil Sibal questions the government’s latest gross domestic product (GDP) data of 7.1 per cent. He tells Amit Agnihotri that Prime Minister Narendra Modi came out with the figures to gain in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls as he is concerned about the impact of demonetisation in the state.

Edited excerpts

The government has come out with data showing GDP growth this financial year would be 7.1 per cent in contradiction to the Congress’ stand that demonetisation will hit the economy. What’s your take?

The Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) has given the 7.1