Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been silent on his promise to deposit Rs 15 lakh in poor citizens’ accounts after assuming power, a Union minister stoked controversy by saying that the money will come “slowly” and not in a single instalment.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Monday, 17 December, told ANI: “Rs 15 lakh will come slowly, not at a single time.”
Athawale also blamed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for not giving funds to the central government because of which the Narendra Modi-led government has not been able to fulfil its promise, he said.
“We have asked for money from RBI but they are not giving money so the amount cannot be collected,” Athawale said, adding that the government is facing technical issues.
Athawale is the president of the Republican Party of India, an ally of National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The Union minister was talking about a promise made by then PM candidate Narendra Modi in the run up to 2014 elections. Modi had said that he will bring back all the black money stashed abroad to India and deposit Rs 15 lakh in every poor citizen’s account.
Athawale made the remarks a day after he said that Congress President Rahul Gandhi is no longer “Pappu”, reported News18.
"Rahul Gandhi has achieved a good victory in three states. He is no more a 'Pappu' now but has become a 'Pappa’,” Athawale said.
(With input from ANI)
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