Congress President Rahul Gandhi, addressing students in Pune on Friday, 5 April, said money to implement the ‘NYAY’ minimum income scheme will not be taken out of the pockets of the middle class. He also added that income tax won’t be raised to implement the scheme.
Responding to a student’s question on how the party is planning to fund the scheme, which promises Rs 72,000 every year to the poorest 20 percent of Indian households, Rahul Gandhi said:
“Crony capitalists, that’s where money will come from. It will also come when economy will jump start. It is currently jammed. But the real question is not where the money’ll come from but why only 15 people are given money in this country?”Rahul Gandhi, Congress President
The Congress president added that the party’s manifesto came from talks with the various stakeholders across the country.
“Our manifesto is not an expression of the Congress party, it is an expression from all the stakeholders of the country. The concept of NYAY has come from the people of India.”Rahul Gandhi, Congress President
To a question on Balakot air strikes, Rahul said that the Indian Air Force should take “credit” for it and that he was disappointed that the prime minister was politicising it.
On Women in Politics
Rahul Gandhi promised that the bill for 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures will be passed. He added that apart from that, the Congress will also pass reservation for women in government jobs.
“33 percent reservation in Parliament and State legislature, and central government jobs. And if you are interested in politics come and have a chat with me. I am happy to see women sitting at front, they need space in business, politics.”Rahul Gandhi, Congress President
‘Demonetisation, a Disastrous Idea’
Calling demonetisation a “disastrous idea,” Gandhi said that he will fill the 22 lakh government jobs on priority, if he comes to power.
“Unfortunately, demonetisation was a disastrous idea. Millions of jobs were lost and economy was jammed shut. We want to give new entrepreneurs access to banking and exemption from seeking permission for the first 3 years. 22 lakh government jobs are vacant. We will increase expenditure on education and health. Once NYAY scheme is implemented, jobs will be created and economy will revive.”Rahul Gandhi, Congress President
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