Rahul Gandhi clarifies "wealth redistribution" stance amid PM's allegations

New Delhi: Amidst the controversy ignited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims about the Congress party's "wealth redistribution" intentions, Rahul Gandhi has clarified his stance.

Speaking at a party event in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi addressed the issue, stating, "I have not said we will take action yet... I am just saying let's find out how much injustice has been done."

He referred to the Congress party and the INDIA opposition bloc's plans to conduct a national caste survey if they win the election. This comprehensive exercise aims to include an economic and institutional report, with Gandhi emphasizing its importance in understanding societal developments over the years and ensuring socio-economic justice and equality for all groups. "Don't think the caste census is just a survey of castes. We will also add an economic and institutional survey to it. After 70 years, it is an important step, we should assess what is the situation now and what direction we need to take. We will implement this..." he added.

Taking a jibe at PM Modi and the BJP, Gandhi commented, "So, did you like the Congress manifesto? You must have seen the PM has panicked... it is a revolutionary manifesto."

The Congress leader further accused PM Modi of being "scared" of his party's promise to ensure equality for marginalized groups like Scheduled Castes, Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.

He referenced Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's statement in March about the need to address the income disparity affecting India's poorest 50%. Rahul asserted, "Injustice is being done to 90 percent of Indians. (But) the moment I called for checking and correcting this injustice, the Prime Minister and the BJP started attacking me."

The dispute over the Congress' commitment to wealth and income equality began with PM Modi's speech in Rajasthan's Banswara. His remarks, which were later submitted to the Election Commission, alleged, "Congress says they will calculate gold with mothers and sisters... and re-distribute that... Manmohan Singh's government said Muslims have first right..."

To bolster this claim, the BJP circulated an old video of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh emphasizing equitable distribution among underprivileged sections, including SCs, STs, OBCs, and Muslims.

The controversy further intensified with senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda's remarks on the subject.

He told news agency ANI, "For the Prime Minister to say they will steal your gold... you are making stories up on your own." He cited the US inheritance tax as an example, where a portion of large financial inheritances is claimed by the government. However, the BJP seized on Pitroda's comments, with Home Minister Amit Shah alleging the Congress intended to seize 55% of an individual's wealth for redistribution.

Clarifying his remarks, Pitroda posted on social media platform X, "I mentioned US inheritance tax in the US only as an example in my normal conversation on TV. Can I not mention facts?" He further criticized the "Godi media" for diverting attention from the issues at hand.

The Congress party distanced itself from Pitroda's comments, with spokesperson Jairam Ramesh emphasizing, "Mr. Pitroda expresses his opinions freely... this does not mean his views always reflect the position of the Congress." Ramesh accused the BJP of sensationalizing Pitroda's remarks to divert attention from PM Modi's election campaign tactics.

As the nation gears up for the second phase of the Lok Sabha election, with voting scheduled for Friday and five more phases to follow, the political temperature continues to rise.

Results are expected to be declared on June 4.