Gandhi was in Pune for an interaction with students where he also had a discussion with radio jockey, Malishka and actor, Subodh Bhave.
Claiming that the middle class will not be burdened by tax to fund its anti-poverty scheme, Nyuntam Aay Yojana (NYAY), Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that his party's manifesto is an expression of the people of the country.
Gandhi was in Pune for an interaction with students where he also had a discussion with radio jockey, Malishka and actor, Subodh Bhave. During the question-answer session, Gandhi spoke about various topics, including politics and his personal life.
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party announced NYAY, where it has promised Rs 72,000 per year as minimum income to the poor if the party is voted to power. Speaking about the scheme, Gandhi said, "If Congress is voted to power, Rs 72,000 will be deposited into the accounts of poor through the NYAY. The middle class will not face any burden of the tax due to the scheme. Our party's manifesto has been prepared after consultation with all stakeholders."
The minimum-income scheme announced by the Congress has been criticised by the ruling BJP, where its leaders have raised questions on raising funds for the scheme. Gandhi, however, insisted that the success of the scheme is possible without putting any additional burden on the middle class.
In addition, Gandhi also criticised demonetization, calling it a 'disastrous idea'. "Demonetization announced in 2016 has caused a two-per cent fall in the GDP, which has resulted in the loss of jobs for millions of people in the country. The exercise had a terrible impact on the country's economy," he said.
He also slammed the government for changing the planning commission to Niti Ayog. He said, "The planning commission was a strategic institution while the Niti Ayog only speaks about implementation and tactics. We need institutions which will give the road map about what is to be done at the national level."
Answering a question regarding Balakot air strike, Gandhi said, "The Indian Air Force should take the credit for the air strike. It is important for the people to know that they cannot mess around with India."
Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of politicising the Balakot air strike, he said, "I feel uncomfortable when the PM does that, but it is his choice."
"I love Modi. Genuinely, I have no hatred or anger towards the man," he added.
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