In a speech at Samajik Nyay Sammelan in Delhi’s Jawahar Bhawan, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed the party’s election manifesto, which promises to return a ‘small amount’ of money to 90% of the country’s population from the ₹16 lakh crore allocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to 22 select individuals. Gandhi clarified, “We did not say we will return the entire 16 lakh crore. We have calculated and said only a small amount of money would be returned.” He explained that the specific amount to be redistributed has been determined based on the party’s calculations of fairness and need. Gandhi further highlighted the positive reception of the manifesto, saying, “You must have seen that the Prime Minister has panicked. It is a revolutionary manifesto.” The Congress’s proposal to redistribute wealth has become a major point of contention between the party and the BJP, with Modi claiming that the Congress intends to distribute money to those with more children. The Congress has rejected this accusation, accusing Modi of spreading lies about the manifesto.
Gandhi also emphasized the importance of a caste census, asserting that it will be a priority for the Congress if it comes to power. He stated that the census will not be limited to caste but will also include economic and institutional surveys. Gandhi described it as a “national x-ray” and a crucial step towards assessing the country’s situation after 70 years of independence.
Additionally, Gandhi addressed criticism that he is not serious about politics. He mentioned his involvement in issues such as the Land Acquisition Bill, MNREGA, Niyamgiri, and Bhatta Parsaul. He criticized the perception that personal endorsements of celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, and Virat Kohli are considered serious while his own political work is dismissed as non-serious.
